Pacelli changes graduation plan after Georgia dioceses respond to Kemp’s COVID-19 order
The day after St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School announced its plan to conduct next month’s graduation with an in-person ceremony with masks required and precautions for social distancing, the Columbus private school reversed its decision.
In a message to the 46 seniors and their parents Thursday afternoon, Pacelli principal Ronie Collins said the May 16 ceremony scheduled at St. Anne Church is canceled.
“We have just received this ‘Statewide Response from Catholic Dioceses in Georgia to Governor Kemp’s April 20th Update’ from Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM, Conv., Bishop of Savannah/Archbishop-designate of Atlanta.,” Collins wrote in the message.
She quoted the dioceses’ response to Kemp’s decision Monday to ease restrictions in Georgia.
“With input and support from the priests of both the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Diocese of Savannah, we are, for the safety of all Georgia residents, not authorizing the return to congregating at churches or making our churches available for devotions,” the dioceses wrote. “This determination extends through the month of May. If the sheltering-in-place and social distancing guidelines are altered significantly during this time, we will reexamine the possibility of congregating at churches.”
Collins told the Pacelli seniors and their parents, “In light of this news, our administrators, senior advisors and I will re-group to discuss how we can celebrate our Class of 2020. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this uncharted territory.”
Click here for an updated list of graduation plans for other high schools in the Columbus area.
This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 4:08 PM.
