Friends,
We have opened the doors of the Church for Mass in public.
Having said that, there are many things to consider.
First, is that we will be VERY LIMITED in how many people will be able to come to Mass. My estimate is 50-60, but it is just that...an estimate. Doors will open at 8:30AM and seats will be filled in a first-come, first-seated manner until we are at capacity.
Second, there will be practices that all must abide by who desire to be in the Church for Mass.
1) Everyone must wear a mask at all times while in the Church building. Please bring your own, as we will only have very limited numbers available for distribution.
2) Everyone will need to sanitize their hands on the way in. Automatic dispensers will be placed just inside the doors of the Church. You are welcomed and encouraged to bring your own as well for use before and after Holy Communion.
3) Everyone must abide by social distancing rules at all times. We have blue tape marking 6-foot increments on the floor for entering the Church and the Sanctuary. Ushers will seat you family unit by family unit using a very official red and yellow "Leave-Room-for-the-Holy-Spirit" rod to ensure 6-foot separation in every direction.
4) Please use the restroom before you arrive at Mass. The restrooms are open and available, but please only use them for moments of great need. Children must be accompanied if they need to use the facilities.
5) Everyone in the Church must come forward in the Communion line, even if they are not receiving. This is to prevent people from having to climb over one another. If you or someone in your family is not receiving, you or they should come forward when the usher arrives at the pew, and approach the priest/deacon/extraordinary minister with arms crossed over the chest to receive a blessing.
6) We have some parishioners who have the bad habit of leaving immediately after receiving Holy Communion. Obviously, you may leave at any point should you truly need to, but tee times and restaurant reservations do not constitute grave necessity. Ushers will dismiss the congregation in a smooth and orderly fashion at the conclusion of Mass.
Thank you for your understanding. We are moving forward, albeit slowly, but forward none the less. This will take some getting used to, but hopefully it doesn't last too long. This is a learning experience for all of us!
We will continue live-streaming everything we do, so no worries if you are not ready to come back or your health prevents you from coming back.
