Diocesan Protocols effective November 30, 2020

After consideration of input from pastors, deacons and the faithful, Bishop Weiseburger has issued the following liturgical protocols effective November 30, 2020, Monday of the First Week of Advent. The hope is that by instituting  the above will help our people mitigate the spread of the virus, keep our priests, deacons, religious, lay ministers, staff and parishioners safe and healthy, and allow for all of us to have a meaningful and joyful Advent and Christmas Celebrations.

Yours in Christ
Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger
 

Sunday and Daily Mass

Due to the number of parish priests and staff affected by the rapidly rising number of Covid-19 infections and the reduced hospital capacity to absorb more of the infirm,  Bishop Weisenburger is enacting the following directives:

1. Sunday Mass  Sunday Mass, which is at the heart of our worship of God, will continue indoors, but Holy Communion is to be distributed at the end of Mass so that the communicant can exit the Church without unduly compromising social distancing. Parishioners will continue to wear masks, social distance and wash their hands before entering the Church. During mass, doors and windows may be opened to allow the circulation of air within the Church according to the judgment of the pastor. Ventilating liturgical spaces might reduce the chance of infection.
2. Daily Mass  Daily Mass may not be held indoors. Daily Mass can be moved to the outdoors where the movement of air might serve to reduce the chance of infection. Masks, social distancing and washing of hands is still required to attend. Pastors are encouraged to continue streaming Daily Mass if possible.
3. Parish offices  Parish offices should be closed, and employees permitted to work remotely from home. Parish’s telephones can be forwarded and calls by parishioners ought to be monitored.
4. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Feast of the Immaculate Conception These two celebrations can follow the protocols established for Sunday Mass above.

Bishop has asked that these directives as soon as practical, but beginning no later than Monday, November 30^th.  

Various Special Liturgies

Weddings under these Protocols
Regarding weddings, many of you stated limiting the number of family members or guests who can attend to 10 is too restrictive. As with funerals, weddings are about family and close friends, and they tend to let their guard down when practicing safe-distancing protocols. First, I would recommend that if possible, to postpone Weddings until a later date when the virus has settled. Regarding number of attendees, I will leave it to the pastor's discretion on the number of family members and guests allowed to attend but recommend that it should not exceed 50 people. I have detailed updated guidelines for weddings below.

1. Work with Bride and Groom to limit number of attendees.
2. There shall be no formal or informal gatherings of family or guests outside the church before or after the Wedding Mass. Households must maintain social distancing upon entering and exiting the church.
3. Everyone 6-years old or older must wear a mask.
4. It is imperative that only members of the same household can sit together in the same row.
5. Only couples from the same household can sit together.
6. Individual attendees must be seated 6 feet apart from other individuals, couples, or household groups.
7. Immediate Family of the Bride and Groom should arrive early and be seated in the church first, separated by household, then followed by guests. All shall remain in their place once seated.
8. The Bridal Party may be part of the procession, wearing masks and social distancing. There is to be no other procession involving family or guests.
9. The Bride and parent(s) may process without a mask.
10. Bride and Groom should wear a mask throughout the celebration, except when saying their vows, receiving communion, and their first kiss.
11. Holy Communion will only be given to the Bride and Groom.
12. At the end of Mass, the Bride and Groom shall leave the church. There will be no reception line at the Church. Please find a room or office area where the Bride and Groom may go upon exiting the Church, and where they may wait until guests have left. Family and guests (excluding Parents and Bridal Party) shall proceed directly to their vehicles maintaining social distancing protocols.
13. It is at the pastor's discretion if photography after Mass is in order. It is recommended that the Presider limits his exposure by only taking photos with the Bride and Groom.

Funeral Masses under these Protocols
For Funeral Masses, please follow the approved protocols established for your parish for weekend Masses. As funerals tend to be more about family, people understandably tend to let their guard down. If you share these protocols with those funeral homes most commonly serving your parish, they may be of help in keeping people safe. The following extra precautions and steps must be taken:

1. There shall be no formal or informal gatherings of family or mourners outside the church before or after the Funeral Mass. Households must maintain social distancing upon entering and exiting the church.
2. Everyone 6-years old or older must wear a mask
3. It is imperative that only members of the same household can sit together in the same row.
4. Only couples from the same household can sit together.
5. Individual attendees must be seated 6 feet apart from other individuals, couples, or household groups.
6. Family of the deceased should be seated in the church first, separated by household, then followed by guests.
7. The casket or urn should remain outside until everyone is seated before bringing the casket or urn inside. There is to be no procession involving family or friends.
8. There will be no distribution of Holy Communion indoors.
9. ·Casket or urn shall leave the church first at the end of Mass. Family and guests shall proceed directly to their vehicles maintaining social distancing protocols.

For Baptisms under these Protocols

1. No more than 20 family members or guests can attend a Baptism. If the baptism is celebrated entirely outdoors, then a larger number could be permitted to attend if proper social distancing is maintained and the gathering does not cluster near the font.
2. ·Like all celebrations, proper social distancing by household must always be maintained. If indoors, Godparents and family members should be seated in the pews following social distancing protocols
3. ·Everyone ages 6 and above must wear a mask

Quinceañeras under these Protocols
During these times, I recommend postponing these celebrations as social distancing protocols tend to break down. However, if you allow for quinceañeras, please limit the attendees to 20.