The obligation to go to Mass is still suspended. Many people are still rightfully cautious and perhaps even feeling very apprehensive about leaving their homes and are being very careful about avoiding public places in order to reduce the risk or chance of catching or spreading the coronavirus. Even though the churches are open to the public for Mass, you are not obligated to come. In fact if you are 65 and over and/or have an underlying medical condition and/or if you are currently sick you are strongly encouraged to stay home.
Please bring a mask to church.
Although we have sanitizer available, it is recommended for you to bring your own personal supply.
The pews of the church as well as high contact areas such as door handles and light switches are sanitized in-between each Mass by volunteers. At the end of Mass we need about six people to help with this. If you could stay for a few minutes afterwards that would be most helpful.
Please follow the arrows with regard to traffic flow. The only entrance to the church is through the main door on the left along Gainsborg Road.
Seating is limited to about 125 people in the upper church due to social distancing regulations. Basically there is a two row separation between each individual or family. Please do not sit in the roped off sections or where there is an orange “x”. In the event that we exceed 125 people, we can accommodate up to 80 people in the lower church where Mass will also be made available.
The “Sign of Peace” will not be offered at this time to reduce contact and potential transmission of germs/viruses.
There is also no collection taken up during the Mass for a similar reason as #7 above. Instead, a basket will be placed in the sanctuary of the church and at both exits for you to drop off any donation or offering you would like to make.
Holy Communion will be distributed in the hand only at this time. In order to avoid having people stand in line and risk the possibility of infringing on the recommended six foot separation, only a section of the church will be called up at a time. You will notice a sanitizing station in each aisle for you to use if you wish before coming forward to receive Holy Communion. When receiving Holy Communion, please wear your mask as you come forward and have your hand open and as flat as possible so as not to make contact with the priest or minister’s hand as the host is placed vertically in your hand. When returning to your seat, please do not walk back down the same aisle you came up for Holy Communion. Instead, please follow the arrows.
Hymnals and Missalettes will not be used at this time. Bulletins will only be distributed electronically through Flocknotes at this time as well.