This is an update on our statement yesterday about the person who attended the 8 am Sunday Mass on May 17 and later tested positive for Covid-19. 

 

The immediate steps we took, including informing our parishioners, were out of an abundance of caution until we could consult with health officials and the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock. This morning we consulted with a staff member at the Arkansas Department of Health and Bishop Anthony B. Taylor. It was determined that state, CDC and diocesan safety guidelines had been followed, and that the risk of infection for those attending the May 17 Mass was low. As a result, public Masses at St. Boniface Church will resume this weekend. The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized this week and between every Mass, and all recommended safety measures will continue to be followed, including hand sanitizing upon entering and exiting the church, all persons over the age of 10 wearing a mask, and physical distancing of at least six feet between families.

 

We understand that some of our members are apprehensive about attending public Mass at St. Boniface Church, especially now that we have had our first known case of a Mass attendee testing positive. Each parishioner and family will have to decide their comfort level with attending Mass at our church until the current pandemic is behind us. Let us keep in mind that the Lord is with us at all times, and may it help us as we go forward to place our trust in Him.