Masks become optional

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
MOBILE — Archdiocese of Mobile Catholic Schools celebrated on Nov. 8 as masks became optional for all students and adults for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year.
Citing decreasing COVID-19 numbers, Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi announced that masks would not be required. Masks were required throughout the 2020-21 school year because of COVID-19. Masks were also required at the start of the 2021-22 school year because of rising COVID-19 numbers during the summer. 
In announcing the decision in a letter published Nov. 5, Archbishop Rodi said he was grateful for the support from parents, students and faculty members “as we continue to navigate the difficulties of the pandemic.”
“We trust that parents will make the best decisions for their children and ask that our school communities respect the decisions of others,” he wrote.
Each school has its own particular guidelines, but one common theme is bringing back "a sense of normalcy."
Principal Tori Miller of St. Ignatius Catholic School in Mobile wrote to parents "These changes are welcome and bring us much hope to return to some normalcy."
Principal Alesa Weiskopf of Little Flower Catholic School in Mobile also wrote to parents "I know that we are happy that a sense of 'normal' will be returning to school, but we remain vigilant in our cleaning procedures and monitoring students' health."