To the Parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul
Peace be with you,
We write today with vigilance regarding the virus pandemic Covid-19 and measures taken and planned at our parish.
The health and welfare of our parishioners, families, friends, and communities drives us all to take action in faith and love.
Saints Peter and Paul parish will follow the advice provided by the Archdiocese of America and Metropolis of Chicago. Additionally, we will follow the advice of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health, and public authorities. We will continue to follow common sense and compassion to minimize the potential impact of the pandemic in our lives.
First, be mindful of health when attending services.
• People who feel sick, are exhibiting symptoms, or suspect exposure to virus must not attend any liturgical or worship services or parish-related activities.
• Anyone who is at higher risk for getting very sick if contracting the Coronavirus (older adults, people with heart or lung disease, or diabetes) should exercise extreme caution and prevention measures.
Second, respect parish event cancellations. Social distancing is a necessary precaution for all.• Consistent with the Glenview-Northbrook districts and state directive, the Agape Preschool and parish Greek School are closed through the end of March.
• All live-attendance events other than liturgical or worship services are canceled or postponed. Notable events include:
• Youth retreat and youth group meetings
• Church School, coffee connection, and bible studies
• Coffee hour
• 60th Anniversary service event 23-MAR at Feed My Starving Children
• Habitat for Humanity workday 30-MAR
• Dinners and speakers following Wednesday night Presanctified Liturgy
• All gymnasium usage
Third, stay connected. Father Rick, the Executive Committee, and the Parish Council recognize that staying connected through this challenge is vital and will be virtual where possible.
• Our services continue to be live streamed, see our home page link: https://ssppglenview.org/
• Catechism, lectures, bible studies, and other educational ministries will become available using internet technology. Watch for announcements and details as we adapt to new formats.
• The parish website will open a page for weekly information updates regarding the parish status, measures and plans in response to the pandemic.
• The parish will open a ZOOM account to facilitate meetings via phone or PC while remote. Ministries are encouraged to contact the office if a virtual meeting is desired and cannot be arranged from within the ministry participant resources.
• The technology committee will be testing an emergency response system to reach all mobile phone numbers on file by text.
• To reach all parishioners, this communication will be sent electronically and by mail. We encourage all members to ensure their contact information and electronic access points are up to date and on file with the church office: (847) 729-2235. office@ssppglenview.org
Fourth, stay informed. Find below information sources at the national, state, and local levels.
https://www.goarch.org/-/directives-covid-19
https://chicago.goarch.org/metropolis-news/-/asset_publisher/SZ9UIB08YUKS/content/measures-taken-by-themetropolis-of-chicago-for-the-care-of-its-parishes-and-neighbors
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
https://www.glenviewnorthbrookcoronavirus.info/
Fifth, be aware of symptoms. From the CDC, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can include:
• Fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher)
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
Sixth, practice steps to prevent illness. Per the CDC there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent the illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The CDC has practical steps all of us can take to prevent contraction and spread of the virus. Click here to read more.
The timing for these unprecedented actions is necessitated by unforeseen circumstances but aligns with our Lenten Journey. We encourage all parishioners to exert extra effort in prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. May we fight the good fight and finish the race, now with a broadened context for the health and well-being of our community in addition to our faith.
