As of August 18, 2021 Michigan has attained the highest coronavirus transmission level according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At this level masks are recommended for indoor activities, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. As we have done from the beginning of the pandemic, we will align our parish advice with the CDC advice: we recommend (but do not mandate) masks for indoor activities beginning August 20, 2021. Thankfully this less than absolute rule will give all – both those who choose to wear masks and those who do not – the opportunity to exhibit the virtues of patience and empathy for those who make a choice opposite of our personal choice. We must strive not to simply be proficient at hiding our disgust with others who do not share our “wisdom”, but rather truly understand and embrace the decisions of others in this regard. There is not right or wrong in a recommendation, but there is evil and good in the way we react to others. Let us strive for good during this time when we are being given the blessing to fight our inclination to judge others and embrace patience, empathy, and love.