May 5, 2021: Slight Adjustments to COVID Protocols at Mass

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I am thrilled to have seen so many people returning to Mass during this Easter season! In addition, many in our parish (myself included) have received our COVID vaccinations and are either fully or partially protected by COVID fighting antibodies. 

As the vaccine becomes more and more accessible to those who want it, and more and more people return to Mass, our liturgy team is working diligently to make sure that our community is a place where everyone is welcome. We know that our parish family is made up of households of many different risk comfort levels.

To that end, we will be designating spaces in our worship sites that accommodate varying levels of social distancing:

• The pews on the left side of church (when facing the altar) will continue to have ribbons separating pews for those who wish to physically distance.
• The pews on the right side of church (when facing the altar) will have ribbons removed for larger groups and those who do not mind sitting closer to each during Mass.  
• The single chairs in the side aisles will be designated for those wishing to physically distance.  We will ask single attendees who wish to distance to please use the side chairs so we can make as room as possible in the pews for larger groups who wish to distance. 
• The chairs in the very back will be designated non physically distanced for those who are comfortable sitting closer to those around them. 

As we continue to measure and monitor a number of benchmarks that guide us in how best to serve the people of God, we will also be bringing some parts of our liturgy back to "normal." You may have already noticed that we brought back congregational singing for the Easter season. We also will be bringing back the sign of peace using a non-touch gesture - like a wave and a smile - with people outside your family.  

We have investigated other parishes' best practices across the diocese and are confident that these changes will allow us to accommodate more people comfortably and safely at Mass. Thank you for helping us to maintain safety in an unobtrusive way while allowing all of us gathered at Mass to focus on worshipping and encountering Jesus in the Eucharist.    

Peace,

Fr. Jerry