From staff reports
The Erie Catholic Diocese announced Friday that three clergy who helped celebrate Masses at St. Patrick Parish in Franklin over the Christmas holiday have tested positive for COVID-19.
The three – Msgr. John Herbein, Deacon Richard O’Polka and a visiting priest – are isolating and recuperating separately, the diocese said. None has required hospitalization, and each has reached out to those with whom he had close contact, according to the diocese.
A thorough cleaning of the St. Patrick church and office building has been implemented, and the parish will continue to follow all the diocese’s COVID-related safety procedures that have been in place since the diocese returned to public worship in May.
The diocese said the parish has canceled all Masses until Jan. 9, when a priest from outside the region will celebrate the weekend Masses.
The diocese is recommending that those who attended Mass at St. Patrick over the Christmas holiday monitor their health with vigilance.
The diocese also expressed gratitude to the St. Patrick clergy to relay information about the situation “in order to properly alert members of the community they serve.”
