The good news is that the church can open for Mass beginning Monday, June 8th; the bad news is that the required restrictions place a heavy burden on the church and the parishioners. So let me open by saying that I expect this to be a short-term solution as restrictions are eased gradually over the summer months.
We are restricted to twenty-five attendees for daily Mass or the celebration of a funeral or a wedding. We are permitted thirty-three percent attendance for the weekend Masses. In our case, this means no more, realistically, than 115 people in church on a weekend. Here, we are accounting also for low ceilings, limited cross-breeze and airflow. This hidden factor is important as air exchange is very important in checking the spread of germs.
An important note here is that the Bishop has continued the dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation during this phase of opening. We will also continue our live-streaming of the Sunday 8:00 a.m. Mass for those who cannot attend.
In order to accommodate the 1,500 people who populate Masses here on an average weekend we are employing the following:
1)No one over the age of 70 will be able to attend Mass on the weekend; they will be able to attend one Mass during the week;
2)Admission to Mass is by ticket only – ticketing (there is no charge, of course) will be available through the parish website.
3)With Daily Mass limited to 25 persons, we are restricting attendance to those over the age of 70 – or with serious underlying health issues – and limiting to one Mass per week. Again, attendance will be by ticket only.
4)In order to make this a bit easier, we will be changing the Mass schedule during this phase of opening only. We will offer two simultaneous Masses (Church and Gym) at 5:00 p.m. Saturday; 8:00 a.m. Sunday; and 11:00 a.m. Sunday. This will allow for cleaning of the facilities after each Mass.
5)The Saturday 9:00 a.m. Mass is temporarily suspended.
6)Mass in the Gym is limited to an estimated 50 individuals,. We will admit only single individuals or at most a couple there; Mass in the church is the preference for families sitting together with some singles and couples scattered about.
7)For weekend Masses parking is in the front lot only and entrance and egress are through the main church doors only. For daily Mass entrance and egress are through the door to the Hall of Saints (#6) only.
8)Of course, and I would think it goes without saying but for point of emphasis, absolutely no admittance without a mask, and the mask must be worn throughout the Mass except for the priest and deacon.
9)No ministers – altar servers, lectors, or EM’s will be used at this time. All ministry at all Masses will be done by the priest, the deacon, and the acolyte.
Confessions will be available Monday-Friday mornings following the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the plaza in front of the church at the tent. Please wear a mask and be careful to keep a safe distance from other parishioners and the priest. In case of rain there will be no Confession that day.
Please check our website regularly as directives from the bishop and the governor come fast and furious.
We will be issuing a video to explain details on Mass and receiving Communion.