Updated Guidelines

The following changes will be effective May 28th. We will post the guidelines at the entrance of church.

Public Mass - All Masses are fully public and do not require any kind of registration to attend. We are excited to see people returning to church. If there is still concern for safety in public, daily Mass is highly recommended. We can report that over the past year there is no report of any infection happening at church in the parishes.

Social distancing and limitations on gathering - Per Executive Order 79 the requirement to socially distance is eliminated as of May 28. There will be NO restricted pews or need to distance at church. Limitations on social gatherings are now lifted. We will exercise caution in the Cluster parishes with respect to some aspects of food service (e.g. no pot lucks for the time being).

Masks – Fully Vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in any setting.

Masks – Unvaccinated. All present for the liturgy ages 5 and older should wear a mask for any Mass or liturgical celebration.

Proof of Vaccination - no proof of vaccination will be asked for either those who have the vaccine or not.

Hand sanitizer - Will continue to be made available in the Commons.

Music Ministry

• Choirs may resume as of May 28, 2021.

• Parishes may resume the use of hymnals and/or resume/continue the use of paper worship aids.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Parishes may resume the Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

Distribution of Holy Communion

Priest, deacons, seminarians, and lay ministers may distribute communion during the Mass. There will be two lines coming to communion as before.

Distribution of the cup

The distribution of the cup remains suppressed for deacons and the lay faithful until further notice.

Lord’s Prayer and Sign of Peace. Parishes are to continue the practice of refraining from holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and shaking hands during the Sign of Peace

Livestreaming/recorded Masses

Parishes are encouraged to continue livestreaming/recording Mass for the faithful unable to attend, e.g., those who have not yet received a vaccine; those uncomfortable returning to Mass with unmasked attendees; etc.

Gatherings

Effective May 28, 2021, there are no gathering limits before or after Mass.

Restroom usage

Parishes are no longer required to limit restroom usage.

Baptismal fonts and holy water

Parish baptismal and holy water fonts may be filled and used at this time at the discretion of the pastor.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Individual reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available and no longer needs to maintain social distancing; parishes may return to their pre-COVID-19 customs and practices for the

Holy Hours of Adoration with Exposition

Parishes may resume the celebration of Holy Hours of Adoration with Exposition for the lay faithful following the parish’s pre-COVID-19 customs and practices.