Bulletin / Community Announcement for Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Pocono Pines, March 12, 2021
A staff member of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, March 12, 2021. The individual was last at the parish office on Thursday, March 11. Out of an abundance of caution, our parish wants to inform the community to make sure everyone is fully informed.
Anyone who had close contact with the individual has been informed of the diagnosis and is currently self-isolating in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In full transparency, this self-isolation requirement is affecting our pastor, Father Sean Carpenter, who is currently feeling fine but taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.
Because of the positive test result, the Mass schedule for our parish will be slightly impacted. All scheduled Masses this weekend (March 13/14) will take place and be celebrated by a visiting priest. Bitter Lamentations will not be held after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Daily Masses for the upcoming week (March 15-18) will not be held. We are currently working to provide coverage for next weekend's Masses (March 20/21) and additional information will be provided as soon as possible.
In addition, the parish office will be closed to the public until Monday, March 22. Anyone needing assistance can still call Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish at (570) 646-6424.
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish continues to meet or exceed all Diocesan, local, state and federal health and safety directives to keep parishioners and visitors safe, including wearing face coverings, social distancing, promoting hand washing as well as cleaning and disinfecting. Anyone who is not feeling well is asked not to visit the parish or attend Mass.
In accordance with established protocols from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the areas visited by any individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19 undergo additional cleaning and disinfection measures.
Everyone in our community is encouraged to know and keep alert for any potential symptoms of COVID-19, which may include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache or a loss of taste and smell.
Our parish family extends prayers for the healing and comfort to our staff member who is currently experiencing illness.
May the intercession of Mary, Health of the Sick, bring healing to all those who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic.