With our county’s Ohio Public Health Advisory System level spiking to almost purple we can have a number of concerns about what level of shutdowns we might have. Here is Bishop Monforton’s statement about potential repeat of closures as we had in March, April and May.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
For your information, I will not, that is, will not consider closing our churches for public liturgical celebrations, now or in the future. However, as in the past, I strongly encourage all of us to follow state and diocesan Covid-19 guidelines in order not to jeopardize the health of others or ourselves.
May you and your family have a most blessed Advent Season.
Stay holy; stay healthy; and stay safe. I am sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton
Bishop of Steubenville
One of our parishioners provided the following prayer for us to offer at this time, asking for an extra measure of protection through the prayers of our Spiritual Mother, Mary.
Prayer during the Coronavirus Pandemic
O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Mother Mary,
We, your children of every nation,
continue to turn to you in this pandemic.
Our troubles are numerous;
our fears are great.
Grant that we might deposit them at your feet,
take refuge in your Immaculate Heart,
and obtain peace, healing, rescue
& timely help in all of our needs.
You are our Mother.
Please pray for us to Your Son,
Jesus Christ Our Lord!
Amen.
May the Lord continue to bless us with joy and peace as disciples of Jesus and to help us to be always ready for the gift of eternal life in Heaven!