St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church in Canton shared a note from the pastor’s desk. 

Rev. Christopher Maus explained that while this season is normally when the parish calendar is being planned for the coming year, the presence of COVID-19 makes that type of organization difficult. 

“One of the activities that is a major focus of our parish year are faith formation sessions for our children,” Maus said in the note. “It is important that our faith formation sessions coordinate with what happens in our local district, which seems to be giving families a choice this year between in-person classes or virtual classes.”

Maus explained that the church will be offering in-class faith formation sessions or Zoom meetings, depending on the demands for grades 7 and 8. The students in attendance at the in-person classes will socially distance. 

“We plan to have rotating weeks of in-class sessions for grades 1-6 so we can maintain social distancing in the classrooms," Maus said. "Therefore, the children will do lessons at home on their "off weeks." 

By using a hybrid model of on and off weeks, it will be possible for the lower grades to alternate between virtual and in-person classes. 

“Registrations are now being accepted for children's faith formation sessions for the 2020/2021 year,” Maus said. Registration forms can be mailed to the church. 

Betsy Crapps  remains hopeful that the church will be able to offer numerous more virtual classes, but there will be a need to get more volunteers to help lead those classes. 

“If you feel you have a calling to share your faith with others, please contact me,” Crapps said. 

Parishioners are reminded that they must wear face masks fully and properly in order to come to the church. Individuals who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons are being asked to stay at home at this time.