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From Bishop CalvoDecember 16, 2020Covid-19 Church Attendance Limits Changed
As you might have heard in the news, the 9th Federal District Court upheld two petitions from Nevada houses of worship seeking modification of the state’s emergency directives regarding a cap on the number of attendees for religious services. The basis for the petitions was the recent Supreme Court opinion, which I briefly discussed with you in a previous memorandum. Subsequent to that opinion, I also directly petitioned the governor for the modification with similar arguments. It seemed to me that the court’s opinion was clear and applicable to the situation in Nevada and that the possible remedy—elimination of the numerical cap—was simple and reasonable, without the need for further litigation.
The current emergency directives impose a limit of 25% (previously 50%) of fire code capacity for casinos, restaurants, and bars. In contrast, the state had imposed a limit of 50 people (previously 250) on houses of worship, without consideration of the size of a building or fire code capacity. Houses of worship are comparable facilities to restaurants, casinos, and bars in that all are in the category of risk for Covid transmission since people will be mostly stationary in one space for an extended period of time.
Since the Supreme Court decision in Employment Division v. Smith, written by Justice Antonin Scalia, a law that is neutral and generally applicable does not violate the First Amendment Free Exercise Cause, unless it can be proven otherwise. This ruling turned the previous standard upside down and necessitated federal and state Religious Freedom Restoration Acts. This standard generally guided the Supreme Court’s opinion on the injunctive relief application by the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Agudath of Israel congregations, which contended that the state’s restrictions did not treat houses of worship the same as comparable facilities, that is, the restrictions were not neutral.
Yesterday Governor Sisolak complied with the 9th District Court’s action and has removed the limit of 50 people for religious services during the extended statewide pause. The limit now is 25% of fire code capacity with social distancing and other mitigation measures which is the same as those imposed for bars, restaurants and casinos.
This is now effective for all churches in the Diocese of Reno: the limit for attendance is the capacity with social distancing (6 feet front, back and side) for household units not to exceed 25% of fire code capacity.
In our diocesan planning for resuming liturgies, all parishes were asked to calculate the social distancing capacity of their church buildings and to mark off clearly pew and seat spacing for this. All parishes were asked to update their churches fire code capacity. These calculations are necessary in order to determine the actual number of people who can attend Masses in accord with the modified emergency restrictions.
This change will obviously have the biggest effect on larger churches with fire code capacities of 800 to 1,100 people. For smaller ones, the impact might be minor or even none at all.
I take this opportunity to remind you of the need to comply with all our diocesan safety protocols:- Social distancing
- Wearing facial coverings at all times throughout liturgies and this includes presiders, deacons, lectors and other ministers (the generally applicable state mandate is masks are to be worn when in public)
- Contact tracing information
- Hand sanitizer availability
- Disinfecting surfaces & door handles/knobs after services.
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35th Annual Interfaith Memorial Service
iIn honor of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
The Northern Nevada Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Committee presents the 35th Annual Virtual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Memorial Service Honoring Local Community Members for The Speak Truth to Power Award and The Reverend Onie Cooper Humanitarian Award.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 at 5:00 PM
Virtual NIA Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV1QGy-763DhZvACcDzlPrQ?fbclid=IwAR1OwmzXKqVa_Y5WqUDb9f1s-kpSqhAeQAVbNHDdGLOpOA5lgulsmJ-vJ4Y -
The Sanctuary of St. Thomas Aquinas
The Sanctuary of the Cathedral of St. Thomas Aquinas is in itself a sermon on the Blessed Sacrament. The table of the Blessed Sacrament Altar is made of native Nevada aragonite, with hand carved angels. The aragonite came from a mine between Gabbs and Tonopah, Nevada which belonged to John Connolly, brother of then Bishop Connolly. The candlesticks are the work of Dirk Van Erp.
The great mural painting, considered one of the finest works of art of its kind in America, was executed by Edith and Isabel Piczek. The theme is the Adoration of the Lamb of God, our Lord in the Blessed Eucharist.
The Saints of the Old Law, to the left, include Abel, Moses, the Manna, Ruth, Abraham and Isaac, Melchisedech, David, Nathan, Malachias, Anna the Prophetess and John the Baptist.
The Saints of the New Law, include the Holy Family at Bethlehem, the last Supper with our Lord, St. Peter and St. John, with St. Paul in background, St. Augustine, St, Clare of Assisi, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Paschal Baylon, and St. Piux X, urging a modern working family to frequent Communion.
The present stations of the Cross were created by Bill Lutz in 1993. The main entrance doors are covered with copper, mined in Nevada. They were designed and embossed by Gordon Newby.
There are 8 stained glass windows to reflect upon: The Holy Family, Our Lady of the Snows, Mother Seton, Mother Cabrini, Friar Garces, Father Gallagher, Bishop Manogue, Bishop Carroll. For detail descriptions see 'About Us' under Cathedral.
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From Father Chuck
Interfaith Vigil Against the Death Penalty & Federal Executions.
After 17 years, federal executions resumed in July of this year. This Thursday & Friday two more are scheduled to occur. Our Church teaching opposes the death penalty. Please share the word on your social media sites to join the virtual vigils scheduled by the Catholic Mobilizing Network. They have been holding a virtual vigil on every day of a federal execution – and there have been a number of them! These prayerful vigils have drawn a large audience from across the nation and attract much more attention than a live, local vigil we might hold in these COVID times. Both of them this week will begin at 11:00 AM our time. Please consider participating in and sharing this link: https://catholicsmobilizing.org/virtual-vigils?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=1bfaa8fb-c32f-41b9-9768-8938519e6f91 -
Memorial Plaques
The Cathedral Memorial Wall is located in the Peace Garden behind the statue of Mary. Plaques are available for $100 and are a lovely gift of rememberance for families or friends who have lost a loved one. Please print and complete the order form below and submit to the Parish Office.
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Parish Office & Hours
St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral
310 West 2nd Street
Reno, Nevada 89503
Parish Office: (775) 329-2571, Fax: (775) 329-2824
Parish Office Email: Office@stacathedral.com
The Parish Office is located inside the Rectory;
BIG house west of the Cathedral; entrance on 2nd St.
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Parish Office Closed