RETURNING TO CHURCH - WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW AND DO

When returning to Church for Mass, things are going to look and feel different. What will be different?

Everyone will be wearing a mask. Some may be wearing face shields. Markings on the floor will mark 6 feet distancing. There will be two pews closed between people. Only immediate family will be able to sit together. We won’t be able to cross over from side of the pew to the other. Missalettes will not be available. Hand sanitizer will replace Holy Water. Communion will only be given in the hand while you are wearing a mask. Bulletins will be handed out by ministers of hospitality. There will be no Sign of Peace. There will be no Presentation of the Gifts of bread and wine to be used in the Eucharist. There will be no Altar Servers, no Choir, no congregational singing, no Holy Water in the fonts, and no gathering before or after Mass.

Anyone who wishes to attend Mass should be healthy. If you have a sore throat, cough, or fever, please rest at home. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass will remain in effect for those uncomfortable attending Mass at this time and for those who have a vulnerable condition, and for those in frail health and for those of advanced years.

Governor Cuomo announced June 6th that places of worship may open at 25% capacity as soon as they are safely and responsibly able to do so. Bishop Scharfenberger followed by allowing the Diocese of Buffalo to open churches at the same capacity where it can be done safely and responsibly. The Bishop has left the reopening date to the discretion of the Pastor so that proper arrangements can be made for reopening. This may mean that all Churches may not be able to open at the same time or with the same schedule they once had.

The Church will need to be cleaned after each Mass. Pews, entrances, and other areas will need to be thoroughly cleaned before another Mass can begin.

Please follow the directions of those who are in the Church to assist. This may mean you will have to sit some where other than where you are accustomed to sitting. Entering and exiting the Church may also be different than we are used to.