New Worship Protocols Beginning June 2nd

It is great that we are finally seeing light at the end of the pandemic tunnel.  This allows us to return to some degree of normalcy for our celebrations of the Eucharist.  Let me set out the new protocols given to us by Bishop Malesic.

Face masks are no longer required, but are strongly suggested for those who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine or are otherwise vulnerable.  Please show respect for those, who for personal reasons, continue to wear facemasks and practice social distancing.  In order to make this more possible, one half of the church will be reserved for those choosing to wear facemasks and social distance.  The right side of the church, when facing the sanctuary, will be reserved for this purpose.  This is the side of the church the priests sit on.  This section will shrink as the number of people wearing masks and social distancing shrinks.

Masks and social distancing will be optional on the left side of the church.  This is the side with the baptismal font.  The pew dividers will be removed and all pews on the left side of the church will be open.

Holy Water will return to the fonts at the entrances of the church.  The water will be changed regularly.  Also, you can begin entering and exiting through any of the church doors you choose.  We will keep hand sanitizer at the entrances to the church.

Liturgical processions will resume in full.  We will process in and out of from the back of the church.  The offertory procession (bringing up of the gifts) will resume as well.  If you are interested in bringing up the gifts, please let the ushers know before Mass begins.

We will continue to offer the sign of peace with a simple bow.

We are permitted to use all liturgical ministers.  This includes the choir and cantors.  We will need more Eucharistic ministers as more people return. Please let Sister Jennifer know if you are willing to return to this ministry at this time.  Servers will again wear albs and hold the Roman Missal for the priest.

Hymnals will be returned to the pews.  For the short term, we will continue to print the reading and hymns in the bulletin for those uncomfortable with touching the hymnals.  The bulletins will no longer be on a table in the back of church.  You can find them in holders at each of the entrances.

Peace of Christ,
Fr. Kevin