Coming Back to Church after COVID

Dear Parishioners,

As Covid-19 restrictions are changing we realize that this will affect our parish life. We have listed changes below.

Changes regarding self distancing. This social practice has been a major part of our lives for the past two years as we worked together against the spreading of Covid-19. To reopen churches this was a standard request, and for the most part accepted as reasonable. The Diocese is now informing us that social distancing and pre-registration are no longer necessary. Given this we have removed the barriers to pews and people will not be ushered to a place of seating, you are welcome to sit where you wish. We are aware that such changes are received with mixed sentiment; some people are relieved while some are anxious and hesitant. Realizing that some people are concerned about social distancing we ask that space between individuals or families be respected.

I want to take this opportunity to offer words of appreciation. To those who volunteered to help reopen, sustain, and maintain our places of worship for the ability to celebrate Holy Mass I am very grateful. Hospitality ministers who greeted people, registered people, ushered people, received the questions and concerns of people, and helped clean the churches, I thank you. It has been a roller coaster of openings and closings, restrictions and liberties; you have stood by through it all, again thank you.

Peace in Christ

Fr. John

Key protocol changes for our Churches:

1. No Longer Necessary

• Masks are no longer required in churches, halls and offices, but any individual is welcome to continue wearing one.
• In some offices, where they are aware that one or more individuals within may have a higher risk of vulnerability, people should continue to wear masks in public spaces in that office. In such cases, a decision is made for that locale by the people there. Consideration should be given to visitors to our offices who may be wearing masks. As a courtesy to them and respecting their concern for safety, staff receiving such visitors will extend the kindness of wearing a mask while they are present.
• Mask and hand sanitizing, however, are still required for those distributing Holy Communion.
  • This is a prudent caution for the foreseeable future, which will be reviewed at the end of April.
• Pre-registering for Mass including asking covid questions
• Capacity limits
• Physical distancing & Contact tracing
• Hand Sanitizer prior to receiving communion
• Ushers to seat people upon entry or when exiting the church

2.  Changes

• There will be two lines for going up to communion as it was prior to Covid-19
• The Registration Table is now going to become a Welcome Table.
• Choirs can form again but must wear masks
• Communion can be received on the tongue but you must wait until all others have received
• Parishioners will conduct their own covid-19 self assessment before entering the church
• Hand sanitizer is available at the entrances for those who wish to use it
• Holy Water will be available shortly

3.  Continue

• Offertory collection basket will remain at the entrance of the church
• Communion from the cup is still not yet available

Key protocol changes for our Halls and Meeting Rooms:

No Longer Necessary

• Physical distancing 
• Capacity limits
• Contact tracing

Changes

• Parishioners will conduct their own covid-19 self assessment before entering 
• Hand sanitizer is available at the entrances for those who wish to use it
• Food can be prepared in a certified kitchen and served 

Continue

• Complete the Facility Application Form (found on our website)  if you want to reserve the hall or meeting room

If you have any questions about these protocols,
please contact the office at 519 631-3640.