Bishop Taylor released a letter lifting the suspension of the obligation to attend Mass starting October 1. He has also clarified what that would look like. Bishop Taylor also addresses those who may be concerned about returning due to personal health concerns or of those they care for.
Protocols are still in place such as:
Fr. Tony made a short video to help update everyone about attending Mass at St. Joseph's. And to be clear, it does apply to our CCM Mass as well!
In line with the Diocese of Little Rock's policies as well as the various policies of the area college, CCM Conway will continue to focus on online events and programs. While this is obviously not what we would have preferred, we know that it is possible to have a thriving community while physically distant.
All of our major events (Small Groups, Alpha Omega, Men's & Women's Groups, etc.) will continue to be online. This will allow groups to not only meet safely but to provide consistency. No matter what happens this semester, CCM Conway will be there.
However, we will have IN PERSON Mass thanks to St Joseph's Conway offering the Church to us on Sunday nights. Our house is just too small to safely hold Mass and practice good physical distance.
We will also focus on one on one meetups (outdoors, physically distant, & with mask). Students can meet up with each other and with ministry staff. It is easier to ensure we adhere to the various policies in smaller numbers than in big groups.
We have a ton of creative ideas and new things coming in the days and weeks to come. We can't wait to begin the new year and have taken to heart the St Francis de Sales quote, "Bloom where you are planted". We strive to lift high the Cross and share the love of Christ no matter what situation we may find ourselves. Like the flower that finds its way through the concrete towards the sun; we can't help but bloom-it is what we are made to do!
On May 5, the Bishop shared detailed instructions and protocols that would allow for in-person worship while keeping people safe AND providing options for those who cannot safely return to Mass yet. Be sure to not only read his letter but review the details. This is also where you will find various resources and links for connecting to the Sacraments during this time.
Bishop Taylor has a great Q & A about COVID-19 and the Church's response over at the Arkansas Catholic.
We are CANCELING ALL IN-PERSON EVENTS through Spring Break including Sunday Mass. We will evaluate the remaining semester's events over Spring Break.
We want to encourage you to utilize all the wonderful technology we have access to by holding your small groups online via zoom or some other video conferencing software and staying in the community via group chat, text messages, video calls, or even phone calls.
Deacon Richard and Kasey will be available throughout this period via email, text, phone, and video conferencing.
As of this post, St Joseph's will hold Mass as normal but we will keep you updated if that changes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kasey or Deacon!