The Solemnity of Pentecost is often referred to as the birthday of the Church because it is the moment when the Holy Spirit and completed Christ’s mission. They went forth and proclaimed the Gospel and built up the Church. It is fitting that beginning this weekend we experience a “rebirth” of sorts from the pandemic. After over a year of lockdowns and restrictions it is time to ease back to normal in our celebration of the Mass. It will take some time for us to return to complete normalcy, but we will begin some things this weekend. As with all things, please be patient and kind as we work through these adjustments.
Mass Obligation Beginning on the weekend of June 5-6, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Bishop Nickless will be reimposing the Sunday obligation. According to the Code of Canon Law this means everyone must attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. If a person is sick or homebound, or living/visiting areas of the world where access to the Mass is limited, or a situation arises that prevents travel (snowstorm or flat tire), such persons would not be bound by the obligation.
Facemasks
Facemasks are no longer required to be worn at liturgies, parish events, and in parish offices by those who have been fully vaccinated. Those who have been fully vaccinated and wish to continue wearing facemasks as a precaution may continue to do so.
Those who have not been fully vaccinated (age 2 and above) are strongly recommended to continue wearing a facemask at liturgies, parish events, and in parish offices.
Staff who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear facemasks in the office. However, it is strongly recommended that the general non-staff public and office receptionists both wear facemasks when greeting one another.
Sanitizing
We will no longer be sanitizing the church following daily Mass and other small liturgies.
We will continue to sanitize after our weekend Masses as needed.
We will continue providing hand sanitizer for liturgies and parish events.
Capacity
Church capacity will return to 100%, without social distancing in the pews or the sanctuary.
Meetings and parish events of any size at the parish facilities are approved with the strong recommendation that facemasks are worn by people who are not fully vaccinated.
Confessions
Confessions will return to the normal confessional.
We strongly recommend that you go to confession behind the screen.
Music
While congregational singing may resume, including the various parts of the Mass, we will need a bit more time to get our new hymnals in place and everyone ready to begin singing again. I will be working with our choir directors to get everything in place.
The Celebration of Mass
Holy water and baptismal fonts will be filled for use.
We will resume taking up offertory collections during the normal time at Mass with baskets being passed.
The Offertory procession with the presentation of the gifts of bread and wine may resume.
The Sign of Peace, which is an optional rite in the Mass, will continue to be omitted.
Holy Communion will continue to be distributed under the form of the host.
Ordinary and Extraordinary Ministers are still required to sanitize fingers after giving Communion on the tongue.