Currently, May 27, 2020, King County is in Phase I. Mass at St. Benedict will reopen in Phase III (with 50 or less people in attendance and social distancing measures in place). Click title of this excerpt to see Washington's Phased Approach graphic.

"In response to President Trump’s statement today regarding church reopenings, the Bishops of Washington would like to provide a unified response. We want to let you know that the public celebration of Mass was suspended, not out of fear, but out of our deepest respect for human life and health. . . . We are now preparing parishes across the state for re-opening. Parishes must create an environment that is not only safe, but is liturgically reverent. Right now, we do not have a date or determination of size for Mass gatherings."

"This book is intended to be a little help offered to all, so as to know how to discern and experience God’s closeness and tenderness in pain, in suffering, in solitude and in fear. Of course, faith does not eliminate pain; ecclesial communion does not eliminate anguish. Rather, it does illuminate reality and reveal that it is pervaded by the love and hope based not on our abilities, but on the One Who is faithful and never abandons us. . . ."

"As many of you know, yesterday Governor Inslee issued a new “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This ban goes into effect at midnight tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25, and it requires every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity. . . . I echo the governor’s call for all people, especially those who are vulnerable, to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out. . . ."