I posted Sunday night that I expected the big kids’ school cancellation to be extended, but there hadn’t been an announcement yet. Monday morning–yesterday–the governor of Michigan signed a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order directing people to stay home for the next three weeks unless “they’re a part of th[e] critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store.” (from the State of Michigan press release) This extends the out-of-school period another week for now, but it may not be the end of the story.
This also means no Mass for Easter. It’s hard to wrap my head around the idea of not coming together in community for the biggest feast of the Christian year. Last week, when the directive to avoid gatherings of more than ten people came from the federal government, our diocese suspended Mass, faith formation, and all other organized gatherings. However, parishes were encouraged to keep their doors open so that people could come in and pray individually. I stopped in at my church yesterday afternoon to do so for both the first and last time, as with the new state order, they locked the doors yesterday evening until April 14th.
Rather than dwelling on what we can’t do, let’s focus on what we can do. We can pray. We can spend quality time with the people we live with. We can call or video chat with friends and family who live outside our homes. We can read books or inspirational websites. We can go outside to get fresh air and exercise, as long as we stay at least six feet away from other people. This week, we can eat waffles for dinner to celebration the Annunciation on Wednesday. Who’s with me?
Thanks for the reminder about waffles tomorrow! I think I will make some to have at least a little bit of celebration.
The stay at home order here (West Virginia) doesn’t seem to have a specified end date, so I don’t know if church services will resume by then or not. I guess we just have to take it day by day and wait and see.