At Our Lady of the Lake, we have taken the safety of our parishioners very seriously to help our Parish navigate through this time of Covid. We have been blessed to not have an outbreak among our priests, staff, or congregation. Our gatherings have been safe and have not facilitated any negative impact. One of the lessons we learned through this last year is that many in our congregation have shifting and varying positions as to how we should deal with the challenges Covid has presented. We have done our best to see all viewpoints and navigate with ALL in mind. We are happy to see many parishioners are back in church.
As we move forward, we are seeing a time when the dispensation of the obligation of Sundays and Holy Days is being lifted in many dioceses, mask mandates are being removed across the country, physical distancing is being modified and some are finding a different level of comfort in how they deal with this daily. In Branson, however, we face unique challenges in that we see visitors from many areas across the country, each facing their own challenges / experiences in the ways they have handled the effects of Covid.
All this impacts the procedures we implement. As each community decides how it moves forward, we recognize that being a tourist destination, in many ways, forces us to consider the challenges each of the communities represented in our pews faces. While we want to move forward, we recognize we MUST do it safely and responsibly. Given the nature of having a NEW congregation each week, we are choosing to go at a slightly slower pace.
While our communion protocol will remain in place, the mask requirements will lessen. We do strongly recommend wearing them for the next few weeks until we determine how well Branson does due to the removal of the mandate, but ultimately the choice is yours. We are unique from many other churches primarily because our congregation is different each week with visitors and we want to be safe.
As we evaluate the usage of physical distancing ropes on our pews, we want to proceed cautiously and judiciously keeping everyone’s safety in the forefront. Sanitization of our church will remain in place as it has existed for several years, but we will not sanitize after every mass. Daily sanitization will occur, and we will continue to offer masks and sanitization stations.
As we move forward, please remember that those sitting next to you may not share the same level of comfort as you and we want to recognize that as well. Whether you choose to wear a mask or not, physically distance or not, please respect the wishes of those who differ from you. If you do not feel well, please stay home.
We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and respond accordingly. Church meetings will still follow the protocols in place due to the nature of being in smaller rooms. We ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to work toward bringing all of us to a safe and comfortable environment.
Thank you and God Bless,
Fr Dave Hulshof
David Wright
203 Vaughn Dr - Branson, MO 65616 - 417.334.2928