COVID Respite for Clergy & Staff @ St. Mary's

Dear People and Friends of Saint Mary's,

As communicated for several weeks in bulletins, the weekly e-newsletter, and in church announcements, the Vestry has voted to participate in COVID respite, at the recommendation of the bishops and standing committee. COVID respite is two consecutive work weeks when meetings, office hours, choirs, and non-essential activities are suspended. Pastoral emergency coverage contacts are below.

Here are details:

• All staff will be on respite from Wednesday, May 11-Tuesday, May 24. The office will be closed, and staff will not be available via email or phone.

• Ann will be on respite from May 14 to May 28 and at professional development from May 10-13.

• On May 15 and May 22, laity will lead morning prayer here at St. Mary’s. The service will not be live-streamed, and there will be no church school or childcare.

• Lay leaders who have been very involved during COVID should take a break, too. They are of course welcome to attend morning prayer but should not organize or lead it.

• Staff should not do work to prepare for the respite Sundays.

If there is a pastoral emergency during this time, contact:

May 10-May 22: The Rev. Cara Rockhill, (410) 610-7384

May 23-May 28: The Rev. Ginger Solaqua, (917) 282-3548

Read the diocese's full recommendation here.

We hope this pause will allow at least a little space after two long and extraordinary years of COVID adaptations!

Sincerely,

The Rev. Ann Bonner-Stewart, Rector

Nate Hylan, Senior Warden (nate@natehylan.com)

Diane Booher, Junior Warden (diane.booher@verizon.net)