Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
By now, you have all learned of the impending winter storm that will arrive late on Saturday (1/24) and continue through Sunday into Monday morning.
I will leave to the good judgment of our local clergy any necessary adjustments or cancellations to the Mass schedules of each congregation across the diocese.
Many congregations have planned Annual Meetings for Sunday, January 25. If the weather makes it impossible to gather the Annual Meeting (as we believe it shall), an announced date certain must be posted immediately to avoid violating the provisions of New York State Religious Corporations Law. The Annual Meeting rescheduled because of conditions beyond the control of the congregation must take place at the earliest available date-–most commonly, the Sunday following the original date.
This situation does not permit the Annual Meeting to be moved a month later, etc., but it may be rescheduled by calling a meeting to order and then, by consenting vote of those present, be moved to an agreed-upon later date. My recommendation is to allow the meeting to be canceled due to the storm and to gather the following Sunday.
Please be safe, exercise good judgment and care, and let me or the staff of the diocese know if you need any help throughout the weekend.
Prayers and a blessing,
The Right Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano
Bishop of Long Island