Today’s update will focus on how we will follow the Diocese’s protocols which meet or exceed the state and CDC guidelines.
First, let me remove any anxiety or questions regarding ministers for Mass. All regularly scheduled ministers, servers, lay readers, Eucharist ministers, music, and usher schedules have been suspended until further notice. A small group of ministers has been asked to assist with Mass and will be trained to meet safety guidelines.
To meet the diocese’s protocols and guidelines, we can only fill the church building to 25% capacity during Phase I. For Sacred Heart, 25% is about 90. St. Mary’s would be about 60. However, there is an additional requirement to provide social distance 6 feet in all directions which plays a larger role in our planning.
General Guide with details coming later this week:
Entry for each Mass will be controlled by trained ushers.
Ushers will seat those arriving for Mass.
The church will be filled starting at the front and going to the back. *Every other pew will be used to meet safe distancing requirements.
Families will be seated together, must maintain 6ft from other families.
Mass will continue as usual with a few exceptions. There will be no singing. At communion time, only Father will take communion. The vessels will be purified, final prayer and final blessing given.
Communion to the faithful: After the final blessing, Father and a deacon will take communion to you in the pew. You may kneel or remain seated if necessary. Communion will be distributed starting at the back of church. The ushers will guide you to leave right after receiving communion.
Exit the church, maintain safe distance, and go directly to your cars and return home. This is not only a safety precaution, but is necessary as we work on a plan to distribute Holy Communion to those who watch Mass live streamed or who arrived for Mass after capacity has been met.
There are many working in the background to help make this go smoothly. Please continue to pray for us all. More information in the next update.