Changes effective May 29, 2021
Preparations before/after Mass:
- The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains dispensed until further notice.
- Those attending Mass are encouraged to wear masks, but masks are no longer required.
- Anyone with fever or flu-like symptoms should not enter the church.
- It is important to remember that there is still a risk for anyone who attends a public Mass to contract the coronavirus.
- The Cedar entrance will continue to remain closed, and entrance will be through the South Narthex doors.
- Social distancing is no longer required, and all pews will be open.
- We will no longer be cleaning pews between masses.
- The Baptismal font and Holy Water fonts are no longer required to remain empty and will be used.
- Choirs may return and congregational singing may take place.
- All liturgical ministers must continue to wash/sanitize their hands before and after Mass.
- Receptions and social gatherings may take place.
- The Bookapew Reservation system will no longer be used.
During Mass:
- For collections, long handled baskets may now be used. We will continue to have collections baskets placed for dropping envelopes or donations in.
- Ushers must immediately wash or sanitize their hands after the collection.
- The Sign of Peace remains omitted.
- The faithful are reminded that at this time no one is obliged to receive Communion, and that Christ is encountered in those gathered in his name, in the proclamation of the Word, and especially by joining themselves to the offering of Christ to God the Father during the Eucharistic Prayer.
- Communion ministers must continue to sanitize their hands before and after the distribution of Holy Communion.
- For the health and safety of both the minister and faithful, we encourage you to receive Communion only in the hand. Any communicant wearing gloves must remove them prior to receiving. Those who receive in the hand should consume their consecrated host in the presence of the minister.
- Communion will not be distributed from the chalice.
