Returning to Mass - Covid 19

In order to ensure the safety of everyone, please keep in mind the following if you plan on attending mass:

  • Not everyone should attend mass at this time: The elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, those who are fearful or anxious, and those who are taking care of a sick or homebound person need not be concerned if they miss Mass.  The dispensation from the Sunday obligation previously granted to all Catholics of the archdiocese by the Archbishop has now been extended through November 28, 2020.
  • Attendance at mass is subject to a limit of 25% of church building capacity or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is smaller.
  • No social gatherings either before or after Mass, including the parking lot.
  • Enter through the front doors only of the church (side doors will be locked):
    • face masks must be worn at all times (except for when receiving the most holy Eucharist)
    • use hand sanitizer upon entry (it would be of great help if you brought your own hand sanitizer!)
    • holy water fonts have been emptied
  • Practice social distancing: the pews and floors are marked accordingly.  Families who live in the same household may sit together.
  • Missalettes/hymnals have been removed and there are no printed bulletins;
    • bulletins are available on our website.
  • The will be no collection for the offertory, however, a basket or collection box will be at the church entrance for your offertory contributions.
  • There should be no:
    • congregational singing
    • holding of hands during the Our Father and
    • no exchange of a sign of peace
  • Communion procedures:
    • At Communion time the congregation can be reminded that they should not feel obliged to receive Holy Communion if they feel the risk is too high, or for any other reason, and can make an act of Spiritual Communion at their place;
    • Congregants who are not coming forward to receive Holy Communion or a blessing should still get out of the pews at the beginning so that no one will have to climb over anyone else;
    • All Communion lines should be single file, with people wearing masks, approaching row by row and keeping six feet apart, except for family members. Neither the priest nor the communicants should wear gloves during the distribution of Holy Communion;
    • The priest will hold the consecrated host over the communicants’ outstretched hands and drop the host into their hands without touching their hands; 
    • Communicants will receive the consecrated host in their hand, step to the side, lower their mask, consume the host, replace their mask, and return to their pew;
    • The priest will have a table next to him with hand sanitizer. In the case of unintentional contact, the priest will sanitize his own hands immediately.
  • Please exit the church alternating pews beginning at the back of the church.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience!