Greetings in Christ, all!
I believe we are finally slowing down to a normal schedule after what was an exceptionally challenging, but life giving couple months…at least I hope we are! I thank you all for your patience with my many limitations; it means the world to me.
I have started to receive a significant amount of comments, questions, etc. about the mask situation at our beloved school and I wanted to offer clarification.
Right now, the Genesee County Health Board gives us two options: do things the way we are now or not do them that way. If we don’t follow their system, then the rules change for us. We will have to do what they call “contact tracing,” as well as accept some other onerous practices. However, the key one is contact tracing and without boring you with too many details, allow me to put it this way: a public school in our County is doing contact tracing and it requires four full-time employees working all day. I’m not exaggerating. We looked into this as a response to the inquiries of our parents and we simply cannot afford it.
If it strikes you as an abuse of power by our County Health Department, I tend to agree. Unelected officials being able to dictate such measures strikes me as politically unhealthy. To that end, if you wish to write or call them with your thoughts on this matter, you can do so at: https://www.gchd.us/coronavirus/. Should you choose to contact them, please be courteous and refrain from personal attacks. Most people we disagree with are good people trying to do the right thing. Abusing public servants not only runs counter to The Gospel, it never bears good fruit.
In an effort to head off unnecessary letters, I am not a COVID denier. I’m not uncaring about sickness and death; I’ve lost a cousin and brother-in law to this disease. What I am advocating for here is common sense. I have a few doctors in my family and I have talked it through with each of them. At some point, we have to decide on criteria that allows us to say “enough” and resume normal life. For those who are at risk, please act responsibly. For any who are sick, have a fever or any other such sign that you are sick, please stay home.
I pray you read this with the compassion and care with which I type it. If you believe I am sinning or in error, please pray that God correct me and lead me into greater wisdom and humility.
I love you all and I’m so grateful to be your priest.
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