West Fork Catholic Community

COVID-19 Protocols remain for now - will be reviewed
Parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City will not yet be changing COVID-19 safety protocols in light of the May 13 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Bishop Walker Nickless, the Diocese of Sioux City and the Office of Worship.

Parishioners in the diocese should plan to continue to follow the current Mass protocols for the May 15 and 16 weekend Masses. The current protocols are found on the website, scdiocese.org/resuming-mass-protocols. 
(5/14/2021)
 

Please remember that the Diocese of Sioux City continues to have face masks required while attending mass!  This requirement remains in effect at all 3 West Fork Catholic Community Churches until further notice.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give the office a call.  Thank you.

During the Task Force meeting last week, it was decided that effective Palm Sunday week-end, all churches in the Diocese, may go "EVERY PEW" for seating for all liturgies, both weekday and weekend, etc.
Social distancing within the pews is still required for all non-cohabitating attendees.  The Bishop asks that all parishioners do their best to follow this updated regulation.
Mask use in churches remains in effect while doing business inside the facilities.  Hand sanitizer remains at the entrances for all to use when entering the Church.
*** For now, those wishing to remain more social distancing, each Church will have a designated section on the side which will remain as ‘every other pew’ with the current restrictions.
The overflow areas will remain in effect where available.
 
This is a welcome change.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office.

Bishop declares no changes to COVID-19 health mandates

On Feb. 5, 2021 the governor of the state of Iowa decreed that the state will continue to operate under a public health disaster emergency until March 7, 2021.  In addition, the decree recognized that data collected in Iowa reflected an improvement and / or reduction in the risk of the spread of COVID-19 substantially impacted by the practice of effective public health protocols.

advises to all pastors, parishioners and the general public that at the present time there will be no changes in the current protocols regarding the Catholic parishes in the 24 counties that make up the Diocese of Sioux City in northwest Iowa.  The diocesan COVID-19 Task Force and the bishop’s senior advisors continue to monitor data daily on a local, regional and national level and will discuss the governor’s decree and its impacts and implication at a meeting later this week. 

Masks will continue to be required in parishes at this time in the Diocese of Sioux City.

The current protocols are available at scdiocese.org/resuming-mass-protocols

Any and all changes to protocols impacting the Diocese of Sioux City will be reported directly to the diocesan pastors by the bishop and his task force and will be also shared via the diocesan Office of Communication in a timely fashion.

Bishop Nickless has extended the dispensation regarding attendance at Sunday and Holyday Mass into 2021. It will remain in effect until further notice. 
 

Statement regarding pope's comments on documentary:
I want to speak to the faithful of the Diocese of Sioux City regarding comments reportedly made by the Holy Father that were released in the media yesterday about civil unions for same sex attracted persons. Unfortunately, as of now, no clarifications on these comments have come forth from the Vatican and the comments have caused many people to question whether Church teaching has changed. The remarks were made by Pope Francis in an Italian documentary film, Francesco, released in Rome about the pope and his ministry and approach to social issues.
The Holy Father, it is reported, commented that those with same-sex attraction should be part of a family, that they are Children of God. Other comments were made about his support of civil unions.
Pope Francis has not changed Church teaching regarding same-sex attraction, nor would he be able to do so. The sacrament of marriage can only be received by one man and one woman. The Holy Father is certainly not changing Church teaching but is encouraging us as Catholics to treat all human beings with kindness as we are all made in the image and likeness of God.  Those with same sex attraction are no exception.
I, as your Bishop, ask you to pray for those who struggle with their faith because of these statements reportedly said by our Holy Father as well as those who struggle with same sex attraction. Pray also for the Holy Father, and for me, your humble servant.

Most Rev. Bishop Walker Nickless

WANTED: Part-time Director of Faith Formation at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Kingsley, Immaculate Conception in Moville and St. Joseph in Anthon to be responsible for the faith formation programs of the parish and to facilitate a process for assessing the needs of the parish children and youth to develop appropriate goals and objectives for the total program. Religious Education knowledge, skill, and experience preferred with excellent communication skills. Must be a Roman Catholic in good standing.
For more information please contact the office at 712 873-3644