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The CRC is taking precautions to do our part to avoid the spread of any germs. Currently, doctors are recommending basic good health practices such as:
- washing hands
- cover coughs and sneezes with your arm
- sanitizing touchable surfaces
Only people that are sick should wear face masks and gloves to limit exposing others. People that have the Coronavirus are advised to call their doctor and to self-quarantine.
We realize the Coronavirus has many people concern, and the CRC has implemented starting last week certain practices as the first case was identified in Texas.
The CRC always works to sanitize touchable surfaces when we clean. Our staff is conducting deep cleaning as well as during retreats; we will clean the touchable surfaces of the common restrooms daily.
We are adding hand sanitizer stations to each of the shared spaces, cafeteria, Chapel, and meeting rooms as well as equipping the lodges with Disinfectant Spray to use on touchable surfaces.
We will also be closing our salad bar and offering prepackaged salads during this time. This will limit the possibility of a person who has the Coronavirus from touching the same utensils that are used by other retreatants to get their salad bar items. Our staff that has been trained in safe Food Handler courses will be serving the food to avoid any contamination.
Each day of your retreat, our staff will come in and clean the touchable surfaces in your meeting hall and common restrooms.
As always, if you have someone that is sick, they should consider not attending the retreat to avoid getting other retreatants sick.
If your Pastor deems it appropriate to not host a retreat during this time to avoid the potential spread of the Coronavirus, the CRC will allow your Church to reschedule your retreat for an available date in 2020 with no financial penalty.
The following CRC events have been canceled and the CRC will offer a full refund to those that were registered who choose to not be moved to the new date.
- Lenten Tuesday Night Exposition & Confession
- March 20 - 22 Confirmation Retreat - date will be moved (TBA soon)
- March 20 - 22 Lenten Silent Retreat - date will be moved and a Silent Retreat (TBA soon)
- March 27 - 29 Mother & Daughter Retreat - date will be moved (TBA soon)
- April 3 - 5 Spanish Lenten Silent Retreat
- April 6 Final Actions of Jesus
- April 17 - 19 Family Eucharistic Retreat (presenters flying in from out of town)
*As we enter into April, the CRC will make decisions based on future retreats as the time draws closer and we have information on the spread of coronavirus.
In regards to the Chapel, we have removed the Holy Water to avoid contamination. Please see below for more information from our Cardinal in regards to Liturgy.
To date, the Flu that we are faced with each year impacts and kills more people than the Coronavirus. We share this information not to create fear but to hopefully comfort people and let them know what we are doing at the CRC.
We ask for your prayers as the CRC is financially self-sustainable through retreat income and going over a month without income is detrimental to our ability to operate and keep the CRC open. We currently forecast a loss income of about $120,000 if this runs through April 2020. If you are able to make a donation to the CRC we greatly appreciate your support! Donate at https://retreatcentercrc.org/support-the-crc
Catholics are also advised of the following from the Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston.
Precautionary Measures - Coronavirus Illness (COVID-19)
In response to concerns expressed by the faithful regarding the potential spread of the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) into our communities, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is recommending common-sense steps and precautions in regards to the celebration of the Liturgy.
Until further notice, Galveston-Houston parishes will suspend the distribution of Holy Communion from the Chalice and distribute Holy Communion only under the form of the Host to help minimize any risk for the members of the liturgical assembly who are present for the reception of the Holy Eucharist.
We are also reminding all persons who are ill they are under no obligation to be present for Sunday Mass. Those attending liturgical assemblies are asked to respect that some may be uncomfortable with physical contact during times of the Mass, such as the Lord's Prayer or the Sign of Peace.
Please continue to pray for those in our communities and around the world who have died and for those who are sick and suffering.
Archdiocese Statement March 12, 2020
