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To: All priests
From: Most Reverend Gregory John Hartmayer, OFM, Conv., Archbishop of Atlanta
My dear brothers,
Peace and all good things!
I have wanted to gather together with you for the past two months, but every scheduled event where we could get together was cancelled due to the COVID-19.
I am not waiting any longer, as I am not going to let COVID-19 get the best of me! Therefore, I asked Mardessa to schedule a meeting for each deanery from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., followed by lunch. Every priest working in the archdiocese must attend one of the ten meetings. Facemasks and social distancing will be enforced. Retired priests are always welcome to any archdiocesan gathering, but their attendance is not required. This meeting is for priests only. Please call Mardessa if you are attending a meeting of another deanery, so we have the correct number for lunch. All the meetings will be held at the chancery.
This gathering of priests with me during the month of September/October is a priority for me. I have been in the office for the past three months. I met with staff, priests, the Council of Priests, religious and laity. I have visited a handful of parishes for Sunday liturgy. Nevertheless, I need to meet and hear from all archdiocese priests to put together a plan for the months and years ahead.
Changes and transitions can be difficult for all of us. However, I believe that communication is the best antidote. We have some issues to talk about, and I want to listen to all of you.
Please see here a schedule of the meetings. You must inform Mardessa Smith which meeting you will attend via email at mwsmith@archatl.com or by phone at (404) 920-7303.
I cannot think of a legitimate reason to request to be excused; if you have a conflict you feel you cannot resolve, it must be communicated to me directly. Please call my office. If a scheduling conflict cannot be resolved by attending one of the ten scheduled meetings, we will set up a one-on-one, face-to-face meeting on a date and time that is mutually acceptable.
I hope you are taking some of your vacation time during these slower months. Thank you for the pastoral care that you provide for your staff and parishioners and your brother priests.
I look forward to seeing you for a deanery meeting at the chancery on one of the ten scheduled meetings. Please stay well. Thank you for implementing the archdiocesan protocol in your places of ministry.
With prayerful best wishes, I am
Most Reverend Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv.
Archbishop of Atlanta