Dear People of God called to be the Diocese of Maine,<\/p>\n
As expected, the cases of the Covid-19 virus continue to grow in our country and here in Maine. The Governor has issued new measures to protect public health<\/a> and access to health care<\/a> . Municipalities, including Portland<\/a>, have taken their own steps to flatten the curve as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n As the spiritual leaders and faith shepherds of our diocese of some 10,000 people in 59 churches and ministries across Maine, we are now called on in this unprecedented moment to take every step necessary to help slow the spread of this virus. Given the diversity and access to resources of our congregations, it will be up to each of you to determine how best to prioritize and respond to the needs \u2013 practical, emotional and spiritual \u2013 of your respective parishes. And as always, you have open access to the resources and support of the diocesan office 24\/7.<\/p>\n Following yesterday\u2019s Town Hall with clergy and lay leaders, I am reiterating my advice about protocols for ongoing safety of our communities: With regard to worship, outreach, and pastoral care:<\/p>\n
\n1) Clergy, staff, and lay leaders should work from home, insofar as possible
\n2) Arrange for phone and e-mail messages to be forwarded.
\n3) Suspend access to church buildings, offices, and parish halls; consider placing signs on doors.
\n4) Make arrangements to have buildings checked every 4-5 days; if equipped, set security systems.
\n5) Those who do enter our buildings must use a log with one\u2019s name, date, and time. Sanitizer to be present with wipes for pens, paper etc.<\/p>\n