Public Return to Mass

 When a parish has completed a Preparation Plan,  when proper safety and liturgical protocols are in place, and after the Plan is approved by the Diocese, then a Parish can begin welcoming 25% of their church capacity for the public celebration of Mass beginning on May 27, 2020.

The dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass is granted to all the faithful through September 6, 2020. All the faithful however have the obligation to “keep holy the Lord’s Day” and on Sundays are encouraged to spend time in prayer, participate in a live stream of the Mass, meditate on the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection, and participate in Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.

If your parish has an overflow location, such as a multi-purpose building or another room used for large celebrations such as the Easter and Christmas liturgies, and if the Parish has electronic capabilities to live stream the Mass going on in the Church to that room, those may be set up following the social distancing and hygiene guidelines, along with a video or audio stream of the Mass. Holy Communion should still be distributed to those in overflow locations, following all guidelines. These overflow locations must not exceed 25% of that room’s capacity to allow for sufficient social distancing space.

There is currently no set date for when “Parish Community Level Two and Three”, allowing for more people and everyone, respectively, will begin. We will continue monitoring the rate of the virus and consulting with medical professionals to determine when it will be best to allow for larger gatherings of people. The General Dispensation will remain until such time as we are all able to gather together to celebrate as one again in person.

It is highly recommended that all the faithful who are medically able should wear a mask during Mass. Anyone not residing in the same home should maintain six feet distance. Each parish will set up their own method for spacing families in pews and during Holy Communion.

Absolutely. It is highly encouraged that all parishes who are able to continue providing these opportunities to maintain a feeling of parish community for those who are at higher risk or are unable to attend Mass once public celebration resumes. The Diocese will continue to live stream Mass daily at 8 a.m. and on Sundays at 10 a.m. on our Facebook and website for the foreseeable future.

While we recommend all those who are able to wear masks to protect themselves and each other, it is not a requirement for Mass attendance and the faithful should not be turned away from Mass because they do not wear one.

While you are welcome to wear gloves if you deem prudent, no one may receive the Body of Christ into hands covered by gloves. You are welcome to bring your own hand sanitizer to use before and after reception of Holy Communion (some parishes may have hand sanitizer available at the Parish); ministers will also be practicing proper hand hygiene.

Cry rooms are closed until further notice due to the confined space and inability to ensure proper social distancing. However, restrooms should remain open, though no more than one person (or one parent and children from the same household) will be permitted access at a time to help maintain proper social distancing.

Not at this time. In lieu of passing around a collection basket, parishes are to have a secure location for the faithful to place their gifts. Parishes are also encouraged to provide information regarding online giving through their parish website or through the Parish Support Fund (diokzoo.org/parish-fund).

The Sign of Peace will remain a non-contact gesture or nod.

The faithful always have the right to receive either on the tongue or in the hand. Our recommendation for receiving on the tongue is:

If possible, the reverence and the verbal exchange should take place 6 feet away: Bow – “The Body of Christ” – “Amen” – then step forward to receive.

Allow time for the Host to be placed safely on your tongue, and for the one distributing to remove his hand, so as to avoid contact. After receiving, replace your mask and return prayerfully to your pew. 

Each Parish will determine the best attendance procedure for its community, though all efforts should be made to provide the opportunity to attend Mass to anyone who wishes it.

Yes. There are guidelines for how this is to be implemented and social distancing must still be followed.

Eucharistic Adoration, and Perpetual Adoration in particular, are to continue uninterrupted; parish churches should be available for private prayer before our Lord in the Eucharist.  

All parishes should have established times available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Enclosed confessionals should not be used at this time, but suitable areas should be provided in a more open environment; confidentiality and protection of the Seal of Confession are of utmost importance. Confessional screens should be used, both to protect the penitent’s right to anonymity and as a barrier.

Pastors may offer to hear Confessions outside or while the penitent is in a vehicle. This may occur only if the Seal of Confession and all other necessary requirements are vigorously observed. 

Weddings are permitted, but limited to the priest or deacon, bride, groom, best man, and maid/matron of honor, and guests not to exceed 25% capacity of the church building.

Baptisms are still permitted. Water for Baptism is to be changed and blessed before each baptism. As always, blessed water should be properly disposed of in the sacrarium or in the ground.

Baptisms are to be done individually, with only the parents, godparents, and immediate family present, following all health protocols.

The celebration of Confirmation will be delayed until the Fall of 2020, and will be celebrated by the Bishop by regions. The situation will be monitored and adjusted as needed.

For regional celebrations, restrictions on numbers of those who may attend may be required.

For urgent pastoral situations or instances of serious need, pastors may request particular delegation from the Bishop to celebrate Confirmation for individual cases.

Priests and deacons are strongly encouraged to ensure that the sick and homebound are able to receive the Sacraments, following the necessary protocols. The faithful who are ill should be tended with spiritual sustenance in their time of need.  Every effort to bring spiritual comfort to them should be made.

The care of the dying must be a top priority, and Holy Viaticum and the Anointing of the Sick are not to be delayed when needed.  Access to healthcare institutions should be pre-arranged in case of an emergency. All precautions and protocols mandated by healthcare institutions are to be strictly followed. 

Only priests and deacons may take Holy Communion to the sick at this time; the assistance of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is suspended for the time being.

Funerals are permitted, but total number of those attending may not exceed 25 % capacity of the church building. Receptions and luncheons in parish facilities are not permitted.

At this time non-worship events are not permitted to be held at the Parish.