As we celebrate Christmas Masses, Bishop Ricken and Father Jerry ask all Catholics — especially those in a high risk category as defined by the CDC (age 65 or older or with underlying medical conditions) — to please prayerfully discern their own comfort with the risks associated with attending Mass and decide for themselves whether or not to attend.
We also ask that, in the Spirit of Christian charity, those present will help protect the safety of all attending Mass by:
• Wearing a face mask (we provide one for you if you don’t bring one)
Note: face masks are not expected for young children and should not be used on those under the age of 2.
• Maintaining 6 feet of distancing from those outside of your household
• Having your temperature taken to make sure you don't have a fever
• Using hand sanitizer upon your entry to church
Bishop Ricken and Father Jerry also expect that anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms (even if not COVID related) will care for themselves at home and participate through a livestream, television or radio broadcast of the Mass.
Those symptoms include:
• Cough
• Fever (100.4)
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in contact with anyone diagnosed with or suspected to have COVID-19 in the past 14 days (without proper use of personal protective equipment), you are also expected to participate in Mass from the safety of your home.
You can find the most recent version of our full Health & Safety Guidelines for Masses here: https://www.mbsoshkosh.com/bulletins-1