DAILY MASS TO BEGIN AGAIN MONDAY MAY 11, 2020
PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF DAILY MASSES AT ST. PATRICK
8:00 AM Mon. - Sat.
6:30 PM Mon. - Fri.
Effective Monday 11, 2020, Bishop Gregory Parkes is giving permission for parishes to resume Daily Masses from Monday through Saturday morning. At St. Patrick, we will be offering Mass at 8:00 AM, and 6:30 PM to make it possible for those who are working to be able to attend. Along with this permission, the Bishop has issued protocols to be followed.
GENERAL PROVISIONS:
- All people who are at greater risk are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass. The same holds for those who are feeling sick or experiencing respiratory symptoms as well as those who may be fearful of gathering in large groups too soon.
- Live streamed Masses will continue for those who are at risk and unable to attend.
- Hand sanitizer will be located at the entrances of the Church. However, it is also recommended that parishioners bring their own.
- Face masks are highly recommended.
CONGREGATION SIZE AND SOCIAL DISTANCING:
- Each church is limited to a 25 percent occupancy. That allows for the seating of 179 people at St. Patrick. If available spaces are filled, additional people will have to attend a later Mass.
- The faithful are reminded to maintain a 6-foot distance from each other at all times.
- There will be tape markings where people are to stand to receive Communion, or wait in line for Confession.
- Social distancing is encouraged everywhere on the church property (entrance, parking lot, grotto etc.).
- Members of a single household do not need to practice social distancing and may sit together.
- The restrooms will be available, but limited to one person. There will be a designated waiting area.
PROVISIONS FOR PARTS OF THE MASS
- Priests, Deacons, EMHC, Readers, Sacristans, Organists, Cantors who have a respiratory infection of any kind, must avoid participating in public Mass at this time.
- The weekly collection: There will be a basket at the Church entrance where people can place their weekly donation. Online giving is encouraged. There will be no Offertory procession (bringing up the gifts).
- The faithful should not hold hands during the Lord’s prayer.
- The invitation to exchange a sign of peace will be omitted.
- The faithful will be reminded to maintain the 6-foot physical distance in the Communion line.
- The faithful should consider receiving Communion in the hand. For those who prefer Communion on the tongue, the Priest will distribute Communion to them after others have received.
- The Precious Blood will not be distributed to the faithful, unless their celiac disease is severe. The Pastor will determine how to handle it.
- The Mass concludes as normal. To provide an orderly exit with proper social distancing, directions will be given by the Priest or Usher.
The date for resuming Sunday Mass with a congregation has not been determined. The Bishop is hoping that by Pentecost we can once again unite for public worship.