Mass Guidelines during COVID

The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is continuing to be dispensed. We urge those who have serious health issues, who are most vulnerable, who are not feeling well, or who fear their own health to refrain from attending church during this time.

Please note:  The following requirements apply to all limited gatherings and to the church building itself:

• Masks are required to enter the church and other parish buildings.
• Gathering and Seating Requirements: Groups at any event may not exceed 50% capacity for church buildings, and all social distancing requirements (six feet of separation) must be strictly followed when individuals are present in church buildings. Attendance will be on a first come, first served basis. Please plan accordingly.
• When the Faithful are seated in the church building, pastors will ensure that the Faithful keep at least two empty seats (or six feet of separation) between parties in any row, except when two or more members of the same household sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet of separation) empty on either side. Pastors must ensure that every other row is left empty. Which seats are available and which are closed will need to be indicated with clear signs.
• The church building must be cleaned and disinfected. Pastors must train or have trained all employees and volunteers on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette. Additional protocols for this are forthcoming, but diligent cleaning must occur after every gathering or event.
• All Diocesan Safe Environment protocols remain strictly in place.
• Please see the following guidelines from the Governor’s Office as well as guidelines from respective counties for additional information.

Covid Guidelines for Mass Attendance:

•  Capacity in Sanctuary to maintain distance is 150.
•  Capacity in Parish Hall to maintain distance is 100.
•  A distance of 6 feet or 3 seats must be empty between individuals or family groups.
•  Please bring your own mask.
•  Only one entrance and exit through the front doors of the church.
•  Please sanitize your hands upon entering the church. Your temperature may be taken with a touch-free thermometer.
•  Ushers will assist in seating. There must be six feet between individuals or family groups.
•  Please wear your mask during Mass aside from receiving Communion, see Communion guidelines.
•  Be mindful of distancing and maintain six feet from others at all times.
•  Ushers will take the collection using long-handled baskets.
•  There will be no Sign of Peace during Mass.
•  The church will be sanitized after every Mass. To facilitate this cleaning in preparation for the next Mass, we ask people not to linger inside.
•  Church doors will open 20 MINUTES prior to the beginning of Mass.
•  Observe social distancing guidelines before, during and after Mass. No Gathering in front of the church before or after Mass. Maintain a 6’ distance between non-family members. Thank you.

•  Please bring hand sanitizer to use before receiving Communion.
•  During Communion procession, please maintain 6’ distance from the person in front of you.
•  Communion will be distributed by means of the sacred Host only. There will be no distribution from the chalice.
•  Leave your mask on as you approach the minister, step to the side, consume Host, and replace mask.
•  Out of consideration and concern for others, we ask everyone to receive Communion in the hand rather than on the tongue.
•  When approaching the priest for Communion, place one hand flat atop your other hand. The priest will place the Host over your hand and then let go of the Host to avoid any contact with your hand.

Above all, please remember that
this is not a normal time and a little grace
will go a long way during this process.
 
We look forward to worshiping with you soon.

Protect yourself from COVID-19. Please be aware that all gatherings pose a risk of infection and that all the protocols of social distancing as well as hand sanitizing are to be followed. Masks are most important during these days and are required to be worn on parish property. All Catholics remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass at this time. Please take all the necessary steps to protect yourself and others.