This section provides general protocols and recommendations for all liturgies.
Phase III Protocols published on April 27, 2021.
Churches may return to full capacity with no need for physical distancing.
Choirs and other music groups may resume at the discretion of the pastor and music directors.
Bishop Coyne will soon issue directives and guidance for the re-establishment of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. All clergy are invited to attend a zoom meeting this Tuesday, June 22, at 10:00 AM. Details for attending were sent out in a previous email.
Masks are no longer mandatory; however, parishes are still encouraged to have a supply of masks available at the entrances should a parishioner desire to use one. The use of masks is at the discretion of each individual persons. Those who minister at Mass are not to be refused the opportunity to minister solely based on their decision to wear or not wear a mask.
Hand sanitizer should be placed at each entrance and in the sanctuary. At the entrances, a sign should be posted alerting people to the availability of hand sanitizer and encouraging its use.
- Communion vessels — patens, chalices, ciboria are purified as usual during or after Mass; then they MUST be washed with a mild dish soap and hot water AFTER EACH USE, even if this requires transporting the vessels to the rectory or another location with hot water.
- During the celebration of liturgy, windows and doors should remain open when possible to increase air circulation.
This section provides protocols and recommendations to implement during Mass.
Processions may take place as usual and in the customary format.
All ministers may resume their liturgical duties.
The Preparation of the Altar and Gifts (the Offertory) may take place as usual: setting the vessels on the altar and preparing them, the procession from the assembly with the gifts of bread and wine, the collection, etc.
Physical contact during the Sign of Peace is discouraged between people of different households. Parishes are encouraged to put the following (or similar) notice in the bulletin: “As we move past the pandemic, please be aware that some people may still choose to greet you at the Sign of Peace simply with a nod of the head or a smile.”
Communion of the faithful will be under the species of bread alone.