Weekend Mass Guidelines

On March 17, Bishop Mark Spalding sent a letter announcing that he has signed a decree to restore the obligation for Sunday Masses, effective on Palm Sunday, March 28. In light of this news, here is what you can expect for our weekend liturgies moving forward:

  • You will no longer need to register for weekend Masses. Anyone who would like to attend will be welcomed.
  • In order to allow for increased attendance at our Masses, we will no longer be blocking off every other pew in the sanctuary.
  • Since some of our parishioners have not yet been vaccinated, including those who assist with the Mass each Sunday, everyone in attendance, with the exception of small children, will be required to wear a mask during the liturgy until further notice.
  • We will continue to offer the Eucharist under one species (the host). Since we are no longer skipping pews, those desiring to receive Holy Communion will be asked to come to the altar, as was the practice before the pandemic. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC’s) will be assisting with the distribution of Holy Communion during our weekend liturgies.

In his letter, Bishop Spalding also indicated that “the law of the Church envisions situations where the obligation does not apply because of grave cause; any serious or ongoing risks and concerns you might have about the coronavirus can certainly constitute a grave cause.” If you have serious concerns about coming to Mass in person, you would not be obligated to come until that concern has been removed. We will continue to livestream many of our liturgies until further notice.

Guidelines for everyone…

  • Facial coverings (mask) must be worn to safely enter the church and attend Mass–we are unable to allow anyone (over 2 yrs old) entry without adequate protection
  • Please use hand sanitizer stations as needed
  • Parishioners are strongly encouraged to ‘receive the Holy Eucharist in the hand’