Masses Recommence in the Churches of Oakmont, Plum, and Verona after Negative COVID-19 Test

A parishioner with potential exposure to COVID-19 who attended Mass at St. Januarius in Plum has tested negative for the virus.  The parishioner reported being with a relative who later tested positive for COVID-19.  

In addition to St. Januarius (Plum), the Churches of Oakmont, Plum, and Verona grouping includes St. Irenaeus (Oakmont), St. John the Baptist (Plum), St. Joseph (Verona), and Our Lady of Joy (Plum).

Out of an abundance of caution, Masses yesterday were live streamed only and all churches in the grouping remained closed to the public.

“We had been praying for a negative test result, and were so happy to receive the news,” said Father Kevin Poecking, pastor of the churches of Oakmont, Plum and Verona. “We have and will continue to follow all CDC and Diocesan guidelines and state regulations. All of our church buildings have been cleaned and we used our electrostatic sanitizer in all facilities as an extra precaution. We will continue our regular plan for Masses with sanitizing after every service and during the day for churches that are open for prayer.”

Parishioners had been notified of the potential exposure and advised to follow CDC guidelines while they waited to hear the test results. In compliance with health and safety guidelines, the priest who celebrated the Mass the parishioner attended followed voluntary quarantine procedures.

Today, Masses in the grouping resumed and on Monday, June 29, 2020, all scheduled weekday Masses in each church building will continue. 

Mass schedules for the Churches of Oakmont, Plum, and Verona can be found at the grouping’s website,  https://opvcatholic.org/

“Thank you for all your prayers for those involved, as well as for your patience and understanding,” said Father Poecking.