The Rector’s Message
Dear friends,
The rising concerns over the Coronavirus mean that the clergy and senior staff of the parish and the school have been monitoring the situation as it develops, taking advice from the State and the Federal Government. Keeping our school, our staff, and our parishioners and visitors safe is always a very high priority for us at Saint Thomas Church.
Last Sunday, I reminded the congregation that advice from medical organizations around the globe is for common sense measures to be implemented. The virus is similar to seasonal flu and cleanliness is the best way to prevent infection spreading.
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- The clergy already use hand sanitizer before and after all meetings and worship but, in addition, from now on the clergy and ministers will use hand sanitizer before and after administering Holy Communion.
- If you are ill, and especially if you are sneezing and coughing, it is best to stay at home and not come to church or to meetings.
- We are going to provide extra hand-sanitizers in the Church and the Parish House for our parishioners and visitors to use.
- Those who are ill may receive Communion in one kind only or even make a ‘spiritual communion.’
The use of the common cup has never been proven to be a source of widespread infection and, in fact, the clergy and ministers regularly consume the remains of the chalice after Communion. However, from this Sunday, following the advice of the Bishop of New York, we will no longer allow any form of intinction at mass in the Church. Whilst drinking from the cup has never been of concern to medical professionals (silver and gold being aseptic), nevertheless people placing the hands into the chalice is not considered hygienic. If you do not wish to receive Communion from the chalice, remember that Anglicans teach that we receive the full benefits of Communion under one kind only.
A word about sharing the Peace. This is, by far, the most likely way that infection and germs are spread! From Sunday, we are encouraging people to refrain from shaking hands in the middle of the service as not everyone will have hand sanitizer with them to use immediately after. Many of us have seen the rather ridiculous ‘foot-shaking’ in some countries. I don’t think we will be doing that at Saint Thomas! Hindu people make the sign of prayer and bow (something Westminster Abbey has encouraged in the past during epidemics). But, quite frankly, there is nothing wrong with just a smile.
We will continue to monitor the advice given by the authorities and keep you informed of any further changes.
The last word should be that there is no need for panic or alarm; it seems that the majority of people who contract COVID-19 have very mild symptoms rather like the flu or a bad cold and the vast majority recover. Remember that thorough and frequent hand washing with soap and water is best, and when soap and water is not available, hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Over the coming weeks, if you have a bad cold or feel you have the flu, stay at home. If you do become very ill and need medical intervention, please let us know and the clergy will visit and bring you Holy Communion and the love of your fellow parishioners. Remember, also, that masks are not recommended for use by those who are well; in fact, there is strong evidence that they can increase the risk of contamination if not worn properly. They are best used by those who are ill and have to leave their homes, and for those in hospital caring for those whose immune system is compromised.
The Bishop has sent this prayer for us to use:
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Carl
Your priest and pastor.
