Mass and Phase II for Diocesan Protocols
and the COVID-19 pandemic

The Diocese has given parishes permission to enter into Phase II of the Diocesan protocols concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective Monday, October 12, our parish will open for public attendance at daily masses, assuming our plan is approved. Social distancing and masks are still required and mass attendance is limited to about 250 persons at each mass. Communion on the tongue is still prohibited. Confessions will, for the time being, be offered after the 8:00 a.m. Saturday mass and the first Sunday mass. We will continue to stream mass daily and, for the time being, the Sunday mass obligation has been suspended by the Bishop for people with health concerns.

Volunteers

Under this phase, we will have communion inside at the end of mass. We can't really do this without the help of our volunteers. All volunteers, regardless of age, who are in good health and are willing to help as eucharistic ministers, lectors, sacristans, and mass coordinators are very much needed and appreciated. 

Public gatherings

There are still restrictions on public gatherings for parish groups and for religious education, but I anticipate that those restrictions will be reconsidered in light of the fall or rise of new infections. I am very appreciative of the kindness, spirit of cooperation and community spirit our parishioners have shown the staff.