Dear St. Gerard Majella Parish Family,

Over the past month since we contracted Covid-19, Father Huber and I have had many conversations with parishioners about the experience. Reflecting on those conversations, there are a couple points of clarification that we would like to share with you.

First of all, on the day that Father Huber received his positive test result (Nov. 6), I sent an email to all parishioners with this information.  I also noted in this email that a “couple” that attended the 6:30 am Mass on November 4 had tested positive for the virus.  Using the label “couple” inadvertently identified them, particularly among regular attendees at 6:30 Mass. It is a close-knit group that knows one another well. This couple has received feedback from a number of parishioners about their irresponsible behavior for spreading the virus in the parish and infecting the parish priest.  Looking back at the information that I supplied to the parish via the three emails I sent, I see now how one could arrive at this conclusion, and I regret my choice of words.  This couple was not the source of the virus at St. Gerard. Just the opposite, the source of the virus for the couple was Father Huber.

Secondly, some have asked if we know how we came to contract the virus. Father Huber met with a friend on October 27.  This friend contacted him on October 31 after the Saturday evening Mass to inform him that he just found out that he tested positive for the virus.  The exposure to his friend did not meet CDC guidelines for quarantine and he was not experiencing any symptoms, so we made the decision to proceed as normal with the caveat to be alert for symptoms.

I share these clarifications for two reasons. First, it is a reminder that the virus is a real threat and that we are all called to do our part by following civil and archdiocesan Covid-19 protocols. Second, in the face of these challenging times and the high emotions that come with them, our faith calls us to heroic patience and charity towards one another, always presuming the best about our neighbor. May it be said of SGM that we are a haven of love and support for one another.

Let us continue to pray for one another, love one another, and ask Our Lord for an end to the pandemic.

Yours in Christ,

Father Skillman, Pastor

Father Huber, Sr. Associate Pastor