Dear Parishioners,
We look forward to welcoming you back to St. John Neumann Parish community and our celebration of the Eucharist beginning the weekend of June 6 & 7. We are committed to providing a safe space for you; to that end we will require that you always wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer, and observe 6 foot social distancing as outlined by civil authorities.
Please remember Bishop Burbidge’s instruction:
the dispensation from the Sunday/Holy Day obligation is in effect indefinitely, and no member of the faithful is obliged to attend Mass
. The allowance for the public celebration of Mass in no way intends to place an undue burden on the conscience of those who choose not to attend Mass, whether out of concern for their own safety and/or the safety of others whom they regularly encounter. Anyone 65 years of age or older, anyone with medical or mental health issues which could put them at risk, and anyone responsible for their care is encouraged to attend Mass online through our live-streamed Mass. Also, families with young children (under the age of reason) are also encouraged to attend the Mass at home.
It is important to highlight that our area has seen one of the highest infection rates in Virginia. (We have parishioners who have tested positive). The spread of infection also occurs by people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 so to come to a large gathering without a mask only adds to the existing risk. (Though we are opening back up, the virus is no less contagious. Let us find Christ also in the way we take care of one another). Please do not wear a mask that is inappropriate or will distract from the prayerfulness of our gathering. Remember, everyone is required to wear a mask; see it as an act of love for those around you.
Online sign-up required
Because of the need to respect social distancing, there will be a significant reduction of seating. It will be necessary to sign up by noon on Saturday for a given Mass in order to attend that Mass. Individuals and families will be able to sign up online and will be prevented from signing up if the Mass slots are full.
If one Mass is full, please choose another. For those who cannot sign-up online, call the main office: (703) 860-8510
Entering the church grounds
You will be asked to arrive at the church starting 20 minutes before Mass begins. Welcoming parishioners will begin in the parking lot. The welcoming process will be lengthy so please do not be late. While waiting, please observe proper social distancing and continue to wear masks. Porters will be stationed outside, in the Narthex and in the Church to assist you. Please follow the directions of the porters.
You will see large baskets in the bell tower for you to drop your offertory envelopes as you enter. We thank you in advance for your generosity.
Unfortunately, there can be no stopping and talking, no gathering, and no standing in the Narthex or back of Church. The aisle floor tiles have tape every 6 feet to help you keep a safe distance from the person in front of you. Again, please follow the instruction of the porter.
Since our pew backs are only 3 feet apart, every other pew will be taped off. Six foot spacers have been placed on the pews to safely separate individuals, couples and families. The porter will direct you to an available pew. Please understand that you will not be able to choose your favorite pew in the church.
Once in the pew, you will notice that all hymnals have been removed. If you would like to have the readings for Mass with you, you are encouraged to follow along with a hand Missal or readings brought from home. Please remember to take them home with you. For the time being, there will be limited singing, as this has also been shown to cause spread of the virus. The diocese has stated that there is to be no sign of peace, and no holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer.
The restrooms will have an occupancy of one person at a time, so please plan ahead not to use the bathrooms at church if possible. It is important that children not be allowed to get up and run around the church or Narthex during Mass.
Holy Communion
At Communion time, the congregation will approach by section to receive the Body of Christ. You are asked to follow the instruction of the porter. You will be asked to come forward single file and remain 6 feet between each person. All are encouraged to sanitize your hands before and after receiving Communion.
The Bishop has asked all Catholics to prayerfully consider choosing the option of receiving on the hand, at least temporarily. The pastor also highly encourages all to receive on the hand at this time. If you are receiving on the hand, you will see crosses on the floor where you are to stop to receive Communion, 6 feet from the priest or deacon. As you receive the Eucharist, step aside from the priest, lower your mask with your free hand, and place the host in your mouth. Priests are instructed to sanitize their hands if making contact with your hand before continuing distribution.
If you are receiving on the tongue, try to distance yourself as best you can from the priest or deacon, lowering your mask for only the moment of reception. Because the virus is airborne and the priest’s hand is close to your nose and mouth, he is required to sanitize his hands after each instance.
Please return to your pews, maintaining a 6 feet distance with any others in the aisle.
At the end of Mass
At the end of Mass you will be directed to leave the church one section at a time. The back pews in each section will leave first, minimizing exposure. Unfortunately, you will not be permitted to stay in the church for prayer when it is time for your section to leave.
Sanitizing
After everyone has exited the church, the doors of the church will be locked so the cleaning company can carefully sanitize all pews and surfaces, the Narthex and bathrooms. They will require about one hour to do this work, before the doors can be opened for the next Mass.
New Mass Schedule
Because of these needs, we will adjust the Sunday Mas schedule as follows: 5:00pm Saturday; Sunday at 9:00am, 11:30am; and 2:00pm in Spanish. The 5:00pm Saturday Mass and 2:00pm Sunday Spanish Mass will be live-streamed and available to watch on our
Facebook page
.
Due to the Mass schedule, the Chapel will not be available on Sunday for prayer. It will continue to be open for prayer from 8:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays and 8:00am until 3:00pm on Saturday.
Thank you for your cooperation to these
guidelines
. We also ask that you be flexible to attend Mass when seats are available on the online sign-up.
Live Jesus,
Fr. Joe
