January 4th, 2021
Dear St. Mary’s Parishioners,
I would like to provide to you some updates about the situation here at Saint Mary’s Parish. As I informed you on the evening of Saturday January 2nd, 2021, Fr. Ben Petty, our parochial vicar, self-reported a positive test result for COVID-19 on January 2, 2021. Fr. Petty is under the care of a medical professional and will not return to ministry until he has received medical clearance to do so.
Fr. Petty last celebrated Mass on January 1, 2021. He also celebrated Mass on December 31st at 5 pm. While the parish has implemented health and safety precautions to minimize the spread of the virus, it is possible that those who attended Mass celebrated by Fr. Petty on January 1st and December 31st were potentially exposed. We urge you to consult with your physician if you or any member of your family displays symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include coughing, fever, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath. It is important to follow all guidelines provided at this time, including staying at home, continuing preventive measures, and practicing social distancing. For more information about symptoms and testing, please use this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/index.html. In addition, see Frequently Asked Questions from the Maryland Department of Health: https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Documents/coronavirus_FAQ.pdf
I also want to share the following steps St. Mary’s has taken to minimize the impact at our parish, and our workplace and to keep everyone healthy and safe. We want you to be aware of the following actions:
We continue to encourage all parishioners and visitors to practice good hygiene and social distancing to minimize the risk of infection.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these times.
In Christ,
Fr. Evelio Menjivar.
Pastor
Saint Mary’s Parish, Landover Hills, MD
4 de enero de 2021
Queridos feligreses de Santa María,
Gracias por sus oraciones y por la compresión por la situación que hemos estado viviendo en la nuestra querida parroquia de Santa María. Hoy me comunico con ustedes para actualizarlos con la con la situación. También quiero compartir con ustedes los pasos que la Parroquia ha tomado para minimizar el impacto en nuestra comunidad parroquial, nuestras áreas de oficina y lo más importante, para mantener a todos sanos y seguros. Queremos que estén al tanto de las siguientes acciones que hemos tomado:
Gracias por su cooperación y comprensión durante estos tiempos y situaciones difíciles.
En Cristo,
P. Evelio Menjivar, Pastor