To Our Healthcare Workers

As you care for your patients, you are the presence of Christ for them. You are in our prayers here at St. Margaret’s, the faithful around the world, and Pope Francis. The stress, worry, and risk you experience are a real sacrificial and loving offering. I hope you have read about the special indulgence for you and other healthcare workers. https:// www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-03/church-grants-special-indulgence-coronavirus-patients.html. During this special time – and who knows how long it will last – the normal requirement to come to Mass on Sundays and holy days is suspended for all of us. So, the decision to return is very personal. Speak with your own physician and family about coming back. Since Pope Francis has dispensed us all from the requirement to come to Mass, no one is required to come to confession for having been away. If you haven’t been exposed to someone with Covid-19 in the past two weeks and you following the safety precautions for healthcare workers at work, then when you decide the time is right – you are welcome to return to Mass. For now, avoid serving as a communion minister.