2021-2022 Safety Guidelines
for Catholic Schools in the
Diocese of Austin
January 14, 2022 - COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin As we enter the summer months and embark upon the new school year, the Office of Catholic Schools has outlined below minimum COVID-19 safety guidelines for the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin effective June 6, 2021. These guidelines will be reviewed and updated as needed throughout the year based on the most up-to-date information available. In order to mitigate the spread of the virus, we will continue to monitor vaccination rates, and guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department (TCCB ED), Diocese of Austin and public health officials, as we strive to provide safe and healthy learning environments for our students and keep our schools open with face-to-face instruction in the 2021-2022 school year.
Communications
August 2020 - CLICK HERE for the August Parent Newsletter with information on first week of school.
July 27, 2020 - CLICK HERE for the Superintendent's message with updates regarding school reopening plans.
July 2020 - CLICK HERE for July Parent Newsletter with information regarding schools reopening plans.
April 21, 2020 - CLICK HERE for the Superintendent's letter with updates regarding school closures for the rest of the academic year.
March 20, 2020 - CLICK HERE for Superintendent's video with updates regarding school closures and distance learning plans for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin.
March 2, 2020 - CLICK HERE to read the Superintendent's letter with updates on school precautions for the Coronavirus, and any other concern during flu and virus season
You can include your mask with your regular laundry.
Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask.
Washing by hand
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or
4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water
Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection. Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
Soak the mask in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.
Dryer
Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.
Air dry
Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the mask in direct sunlight.
Resources for Prayer and Engagement during Coronavirus
The severity of the situation has forced our leaders to make significant changes in our daily lives including suspending publicly celebrated Masses. Recognizing these changes likely leave us even more in need of God’s grace, The USCCB and other Catholic partners have generously made their resources available to support prayer during these difficult days: https://catholiccurrent.org/covid19/?mc_cid=653133a134&mc_eid=a390b76bdd
Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe
In this time of need, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the USCCB, invites all the faithful to seek together the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana.
Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust.
In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.
We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.