* UPDATE 5/18/21 *
(St. Athanasius & St. Francis Statement on COVID-19 Procedures is found below.)
(St. Athanasius & St. Francis Statement on COVID-19 Procedures is found below.)
Due to technical difficulties, our parish's LIVE stream page is unavailable for the time being.
Sorry for the inconvenience!
Sorry for the inconvenience!
Statement related to COVID-19
[Dated 5/18/2021]
In light of recent developments to the health guidelines issued by public health officials at the CDC and in the State of Iowa, AND with permission from the Archbishop of Dubuque, AND in consultation with our parish’s Pastoral Council, the following has been decided:
In light of recent developments to the health guidelines issued by public health officials at the CDC and in the State of Iowa, AND with permission from the Archbishop of Dubuque, AND in consultation with our parish’s Pastoral Council, the following has been decided:
- The Parishes of St. Athanasius and St. Francis will be suspending their distinct COVID-19 Procedures/Policies employed since the beginning of the pandemic, effective immediately.
- Local, State, and/or CDC guidelines should still be followed by parishioners, as required, but at the discretion of each individual/family.
- Parishioners should continue to practice charity, understanding, and good-will towards their neighbors throughout this time of transition back to pre-pandemic practices.
What this decision means:
- Celebrations of Holy Mass, Funerals, Weddings, Baptisms, etc. will no longer ensure social distancing practices.
- The faithful will no longer be asked by the parish to wear a mask or avoid mingling or limit singing or minimize gatherings, etc. due to COVID-19.
- Social gatherings, activities & events, including funeral meals, wedding receptions, large meetings, choir practices, family reunions, gym usage, etc. will again be allowed. (Be sure to contact the office to reserve or rent a space.)
What this decision does NOT mean:
- That the faithful need not practice concern for the health and safety of others.
INSTEAD, wearing a mask, social distancing, etc. may still be recommended by public health guidelines and parishioners are still encouraged to follow those guidelines; however, now, at their own discretion. - That the pandemic is now over.
INSTEAD, the effects of this pandemic may still be felt: for example, our continued hesitance to distribute Holy Communion from the chalice, some ropes still up to provide a few parishioners a place of distancing, the availability of hand sanitizer, etc.
Please note:
- The Archbishop's dispensation for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Dubuque from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass in a church expires 5-6 June 2021. At that time, Catholics will again be obliged to go to Sunday Mass each weekend, except in the cases of a legitimate reason (such as, fear of getting COVID, frailty from age or illness, needing to care for someone who is sick, homebound, or an infant, or if the weather makes driving hazardous, etc.).
Please remember, we’re still not yet out of the woods; the coronavirus is still with us. Please be careful and considerate. Thanks!
In the words of our Archbishop:
God, come to our assistance. Lord, make haste to help us.
Mary, health of the sick, pray for us.
St. Raphael, patron of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, and patron of healing, pray for us.
God, come to our assistance. Lord, make haste to help us.
Mary, health of the sick, pray for us.
St. Raphael, patron of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, and patron of healing, pray for us.