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Guidelines for the Reopening of the Parish - Phase I
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May 22, 2020St. Anne – St. Patrick Parish (Fiskdale, MA)
Guidelines for Liturgical Celebrations: Phase One Reopening
(The following guidelines were adapted from the Directives issued by the Diocese of Worcester published May 18, 2020 in Orantes, the monthly Newsletter of the Office of Divine Worship of the Diocese of Worcester.)
General Principles
Restriction on the size of Public Gatherings
In his order of May 18, 2020, Governor Baker has mandated a strict limitation of forty percent of the building occupancy permit of any public gathering indoors during the first phase of the reopening. Any public celebration of the Liturgy or public devotions should be limited to forty percent of the capacity of the Church, as recorded on the occupancy permit, including liturgical ministers, the faithful and all support personnel
Continuing Suspension of the Sunday Obligation
Bishop McManus announced the lifting of suspension of public celebrations of the Liturgy in the Diocese of Worcester effective May 23, 2020. However, the suspension of the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation especially for older adults and those with underlying health conditions will remain in force until December 31, 2020.
Masks and Social Distancing
Parishioners are reminded of the continuing necessity of social distancing at all times. Likewise, they should always wear face mask especially if they cannot practice social distancing.
The Church Building
Seating Capacity
Given the current guidelines, St. Anne Church can accommodate 45 people including liturgical ministers, the faithful, and all support staff.
Since outdoor worship spaces do not have occupancy permits our outdoor pavilion is limited only to social distancing restrictions. Given the current guidelines, the Pavilion accommodate 115 people including liturgical ministers, the faithful, and all support staff. An additional 20 seats can be set up on the left side of the Pavilion (next to the St. Francis garden), weather permitting.
Daily Mass (Effective Monday, May 25th, 2020, Memorial Day)
Daily Mass will be at 7:45 AM at St. Anne Church, Monday through Saturday. During this phase there will be no daily 10:00 AM Mass except for Funerals or Memorial Masses.
Sunday Masses (Effective May 30th and 31st, 2020, Pentecost Sunday)
Sunday Masses at the Pavilion will take place at 4:00 PM (Saturday), 10:00 AM, and 12:30 PM. The 6:00 PM Mass will be temporarily suspended.
Sunday Mass at St. Anne Church will take place at 8:00 AM. This Mass will be live-streamed as well.
Holy Water Fonts
Holy Water fonts at St. Anne Church and at the Pavilion have been removed and emptied.
Hymnals and Missalettes
Hymnals and Missalettes will not be provided and have been removed from the Church and the Pavilion.
Markings on the Pews and Floor
The pews and floor have been marked with removable tape. Please observe these markings to maintain social distancing.
Cleaning
Pew backs and surfaces in bathrooms will be disinfected after every Mass and door handles and other surfaces will be disinfected daily.
When arriving at The Church
Seating
In order to promote social distancing, people should be masked and seated at least six feet apart in every other pew. Please use the marked pews only. Members of the same immediate household are permitted to sit together and less than 6 feet apart. Seating will be on a “First Come, First Served” basis.
Ushers
Please observe the directions of our ushers regarding social distancing, the use of face masks, the use of hand sanitizers, distribution of Holy Communion and exiting the Church.
During the mass
Singing
For the time being choirs will not be restored. A cantor and organist will lead the music. No congregational singing is allowed, with the exception of the Gospel Acclamation, Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Great Amen and Agnus Dei. The Opening and Closing Hymns will either be instrumental or sung only by the cantor.
Processions
The entrance and recessional processions as well as the offertory procession are suspended.
Collection
Instead of passing collection baskets, parishioners are directed to place their donations in the baskets located at each of the entrances.
All Physical Contact Avoided
The invitation to exchange of the Sign of Peace and the shaking of hands with parishioners at the end of Mass are suspended as well as receptions and other gatherings after the Mass.
Distribution of Holy Communion
Both Species
The distribution of the Precious Blood to parishioners is suspended.
Communion on the Tongue
While Holy Communion on the tongue can be a possibility, the strong “public health preference” is Holy Communion in the hand.
Ministers of Holy Communion
Priests, Deacons and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will use masks during the distribution of Holy Communion. They will also use hand sanitizers before and after the distribution of Holy Communion.
During the Distribution of Holy Communion
The distribution of Holy Communion will take place in the usual manner, progressing row by row and maintaining a six-foot social distance by following the marks on the floor. As they approach the Ministers of Holy Communion the people should remove their mask and sanitize their hands.
The other sacraments
The Sacrament of Penance
We will continue with our “drive by confessions” every Saturday at 3:00 PM at a place properly indicated. Both the Priest and penitent will be masked and at a social distance of at least six feet.
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick every First Sunday of the month at 3:00 PM will still be suspended until further notice.
Funerals and Memorial Masses
Funerals and Memorial Masses will be celebrated with the same restrictions as for any Mass including the appropriate provisions for social distancing and liturgical adaptations.
The Sacrament of Matrimony
The Sacrament of Matrimony may be celebrated with the same restrictions as for any Mass including the appropriate provisions for social distancing and liturgical adaptations.
Baptisms
Only individual Baptisms may be celebrated with a limitation on the number of people present and the required considerations for social distancing.
Fr. Alex A. Castro, AA
May 21, 2020