I was notified this evening that Father Tony Ritter, our Associate Pastor at St. Francis Borgia, has tested positive for COVID-19. Father Ritter began to self-quarantine Tuesday evening, out of an abundance of caution after experiencing symptoms. He will continue to quarantine until cleared by the Franklin County Health Department.
Father Ritter assisted volunteers in the kitchen at the parish drive-thru sausage dinner on Sunday, October 18. He wore a mask and gloves at all times. We do not believe that he had “close contact” (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with anyone who drove through for dinner. We are making every attempt to contact any volunteers who are determined to be potential close contacts. If you think you had a “close contact” with Fr. Tony while volunteering for the dinner, please contact Donna Holdmeyer or Christine Piontek in the parish office so that the information can be passed along to the Franklin County Health Department who will determine if there’s a need for you to take any action.
Father Ritter also celebrated Mass the morning of Tuesday, October 20. At the Mass, Father Ritter maintained at least 6 feet of distance from others, with the exception of the moment of distributing Holy Communion. He wore a mask when distributing Holy Communion, and sanitized his hands immediately before distributing. If you did attend Tuesday’s Mass, please monitor yourselves and your families for any symptoms of COVID-19. If you begin feeling symptoms, please contact your doctor. If your doctor recommends that you receive a COVID-19 test, contact your local health department, and please let me know so that our parish can take the necessary precautions.
We are awaiting contact with the Franklin County Health Department for further guidance. I have also been in contact with the Archdiocese of St. Louis to make sure we are following all protocols and guidelines for health and safety.
Due to my close contact with Father Ritter, I have also begun a self-quarantine. I am not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19; however, I am following the guidance of health professionals and I will be receiving a COVID-19 test. I will continue to quarantine until cleared by healthcare professionals.
We have arranged for other priests to cover Masses for Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Our Deacons will host Communion Services during the regularly scheduled weekday Masses.
Our parish and school continue to follow the guidelines and directives of the Franklin County Health Department in our parish and school activities—and your health and safety remains the highest priority. I will share any additional important updates regarding this situation with all of you as needed. If I can be of any assistance to you or if you have further questions, I will make every effort to help. You may also find updates and resources from the Archdiocese of St. Louis regarding COVID-19 at
archstl.org/coronavirus.
A separate notification is being sent to the St. Francis Borgia School community. Please keep Father Ritter in your prayers. I continue to pray for all of you as we navigate this challenging time.