Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Stephen of Hungary Parish,
Please say a prayer for a Catholic comrade from another parish who recently wrote a letter to the bishop with great concern for your physical health. Her letter helped to bring about the note from the Bishop below:
-----------------------------------------
To all Parishes and Priests:
As announced earlier today by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Carbon County will move to the Yellow Phase, effective 22 May 2020. A separate memorandum was previously sent earlier today updating Parishes in that Region on this matter.
Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill Counties remain at this time in the Red Phase.
Some pastors have noted that an increase in attendance has been noted in their Parishes in recent weeks for “Private Visits.”
To ensure that there is no confusion in your Parish as to the proper protocol and guidelines for this Phase, a sign is attached for Parishes in the Red Phase to hang on the outside of the Church Doors.
Thank you for your continued cooperation during this difficult time.
------------------------------------------
Please note that the church is ordered to be closed during the private Masses of the priest.
The church will be open for private prayer for up to 10 people from 7-11 AM each day beginning this coming Tuesday. There will not be Confessions in the church Sunday through Wednesday this week as Fr. Pendergraft will be away from the parish on these days, but they will resume on Thursday. Please continue to look at the website for any updates to the schedule. May God have mercy on us all.
------------------------------------------
Diocese of Allentown Phases for Restoration of Divine Worship with the Presence of the Faithful
Diocese of Allentown Phases for Restoration of Divine Worship with the Presence of the Faithful
For the movement from Red to Yellow, Yellow to Green, the new provisions begin the second weekend after the announcement. The
date will be indicated by the Office of the Bishop. This will give an opportunity for parishes to publicize and to prepare properly for
the changes. These directives are subject to revision at any time by the Bishop and in accord with local and statewide directives.
RED
|
YELLOW
|
GREEN
|
|
CHURCHES
|
To be
determined
when further
guidance is
issued by the
Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
|
||
1. Open Churches
|
Bishop Schlert directs that all
Churches should remain open so
that the faithful have the
opportunity to make private visits.
|
Bishop Schlert directs that all
Churches should remain open so
that the faithful have the
opportunity to make private visits.
|
|
2. Church Entrances
|
Not all of the Church entrances
should be used in order to
maintain control over number of
entrants. A sign should be posted
at the entrance dissuading those
who are sick or experiencing
COVID-19 symptoms.
|
Not all of the Church entrances
should be used in order to maintain
control over number of entrants. A
sign should be posted at the
entrance dissuading those who are
sick or experiencing COVID-19
symptoms.
|
|
3. Church Doors
|
Door knobs and other commonly
touched surfaces should be
sanitized regularly.
|
Interior and exterior doors should
be propped open, whenever
possible, in order to prevent
unneeded contact and to allow for greater ventilation during Sunday
and Weekday Masses. Door knobs
and other commonly touched
surfaces should be sanitized
regularly.
| |
4. Space and Pew
Delineation
|
Parishioners are asked to maintain
appropriate social distancing. At
least six feet should be maintained
at all times.
|
At least six feet is the proper social
distancing for individuals or
families. Some sections may be
roped off for Weekday Mass to
allow for more efficient sanitization.
|
|
5. Sanitization
Requirements
|
Most pews can be cleaned with
soap and water. Door handles,
door knobs, railings, etc. should
all be cleaned following CDC
Guidelines.
|
Sanitization of public spaces is to
occur after each gathering (for
Masses or other liturgical
celebrations) as well as at the end of
the Open Church period. Careful to
avoid damage to wooden pews and
other surfaces with harsh
astringents. Most pews can be
cleaned with soap and water. Door
handles, door knobs, railings, etc.
should all be cleaned following CDC
Guidelines.
|
|
6. Occupancy for Mass
and other Liturgical
Celebrations
|
No celebration of the Mass with
the Presence of the Faithful is
permitted at this time.
|
In order to provide proper social
distancing, fewer than 25% of total
Church occupancy may be present
inside the Church at a given time
(i.e. this is your Church’s total
seating capacity divided by 4.)
So that there is no confusion, once
your 25% capacity has been
calculated, it should be clearly
posted on a sign on the doors of the
Church. N.B. Churches, Synagogues,
and other Religious Houses of Worship
are not held to the minimum number for
gatherings for businesses.
| |
7. Ventilation
|
Well ventilated with fresh air.
|
Each Church is to be well ventilated
with fresh air. Windows and doors
should be open, whenever possible.
|
|
8. Holy Water |
All fonts and stoops are to be
emptied. |
All fonts and stoops remain empty.
Small containers of Holy Water may
be provided for individuals to take
with them. |
|
9. Veneration of Relics
and Holy Images |
Public veneration by making
physical contact with relics or
images is prohibited. Relics and
images should not be accessible to
the general public. |
Public veneration by making
physical contact with relics or
images is prohibited. Relics and
images should not be accessible to
the general public. |
|
10. Hymnals and Other
Books |
All hymnals, missals, missalettes,
and Bibles are to be removed from
the Church and stored until a later
date. |
All hymnals, missals, missalettes,
and Bibles are to be removed from
the Church and stored until a later
date. For public worship, printed
worship aids or a projection screen
is permitted. The public worship aid
is to be used once and discarded by
the user in receptacles as they leave
the Church. |
|
11. Book racks and other
kiosks |
All kiosks with pamphlets,
brochures, devotional materials,
and other Sacramentals are to be
closed off from public access. |
All kiosks with pamphlets,
brochures, devotional materials, and
other Sacramentals are to be closed
off from public access. They are to
be removed or covered to prevent
access. All parish gift shops remain
closed. |
|
12. Votive Candles |
Access to lighting votive candles is
to be restricted from the public.
Parishioners may request the
pastoral staff to light a candle for
them. |
Access to lighting votive candles is
to be restricted from the public.
Parishioners may request the
pastoral staff to light a candle for
them. |
|
13. Sacristy |
Because sacristies are confined
spaces, often with limited space and ventilation, only clergy are
permitted in the Sacristy.
|
Because sacristies are confined
spaces, often with limited space and ventilation, only clergy are
permitted in the Sacristy. A
sacristan may enter but leave when
retrieving what is necessary. A
lector may check in at the Sacristy
before returning to his or her pew.
|
|
14. Cry Room/Nursery |
Closed to the public. |
Closed to the public. |
|
15. Sacred Vessels |
Vessels are to be properly purified
and sanitized by the Priest
celebrant only. Warm water and a
little soap are sufficient. |
Vessels are to be properly purified
and sanitized by the Priest
celebrant only. Warm water and a
little soap are sufficient. |
|
16. Cleaning of Sacred
Linens |
Gloves should be used by those
who launder the Sacred linens. |
Gloves should be used by those
who launder the Sacred linens.
Proper precaution needs to be taken
if linens are removed from Church
property and taken to private homes
for laundering. |
|
17. Vestments |
If multiple Priests reside in a
parish, they should avoid sharing
chasubles, stoles, and albs. Albs
should be regularly laundered.
Chasubles may be dry cleaned or
steamed when necessary. |
If multiple Priests reside in a
parish, they should avoid sharing
chasubles, stoles, and albs. Albs
should be regularly laundered.
Chasubles may be dry cleaned or
steamed when necessary. |
|
18. Use of Daily Mass
Chapels |
May be used for live-streamed
Masses. |
For Masses with the Presence of the
Faithful, the Main Church is to be
used to provide opportunities for
greater social distancing. When the
Main Church is not capable of
providing proper social distancing, a
parish or school hall may be used. |
|
19. Perpetual Adoration
Chapels |
Not permitted. |
Not permitted inside Adoration
Chapel. Adoration of the Most
Blessed Sacrament must take place
in the Main Church. |
|
20. Use of Churches for
Non-Liturgical
Purposes |
Not permitted. |
Not permitted. Concerts,
presentations, and other non-liturgical purposes are not permitted.
Devotions are allowed. |
|
PERSONS IN
ATTENDANCE |
|||
21. Cloth Face Masks
(Clergy) |
Not to be worn during the
celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. |
Face masks are not to be worn by
clergy during the Celebration of the
Sacred Liturgy. For the Distribution
of Holy Communion after Mass
(which is the preferred method for
Distribution), the Priest or Deacon
should wear a mask. |
|
22. Cloth Face Masks
(Faithful) |
Cloth face masks are encouraged
for those who make visits to the
Blessed Sacrament. |
Face masks are to be worn by all of
the lay faithful. The only time a face
mask should be removed is when a
lector proclaims the readings and for
the reception of Holy Communion.
A cantor, who is socially distanced
from the rest of the faithful may
participate without a face mask. |
|
23. Gloves |
Not to be worn during the
celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. |
Not to be worn during the
celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.
Gloves should not be used for the
distribution or the reception of Holy
Communion. |
|
24. Sanitizer Stations |
Stations with sanitizer should be
placed near the entrance of the
Church and in the Sacristy. |
Stations with sanitizer should be
placed near the entrance of the
Church, in the Sacristy, and a small
table with a corporal and hand
sanitizer should be placed near the Communion station. If the Priest or
Deacon senses that his fingers have
made contact with a person’s hand
or mouth, he should pause, place
the ciborium on the corporal and
use hand sanitizer or dip his finger
in an ablution cup filled with
rubbing alcohol. |
|
25. Social distancing |
At least 6 feet of social distance
should be maintained at all times
during private visits to Open
Churches. |
Social distancing is to be practiced
within Church buildings. Using
rope or tape (be sure to use a
material that does not damage
pews), indications should be made
for sitting in every third pew with
six feet between individuals.
Families may sit together. Spacing
should take into account the size of
families attending together. |
|
26. Gatherings
before/after Mass |
Not permitted. |
All formal and informal gatherings
are not permitted. |
|
27. Deacons |
Deacons may serve livestream
Masses at the discretion of the
Pastor and the Deacon. |
Deacons may serve at the discretion
of the Pastor and the Deacon. |
|
28. Altar Servers |
Not permitted. |
Not permitted. |
|
29. Extraordinary
Ministers of Holy
Communion |
Not permitted. |
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion are not permitted.
*N.B.* If a Priest is uncomfortable
with Distributing Holy Communion,
he may ask a Deacon to assist in his
place. |
|
30. Lectors |
A single lector is permitted. He or
she is not permitted to sit in the
sanctuary. |
A single lector is permitted. He or she is not permitted to sit in the sanctuary. |
|
31. Choirs |
Not permitted. |
Not permitted. Choir practices are
not permitted. |
|
32. Cantor |
A cantor is permitted for
livestream Masses at the discretion
of the Pastor and the cantor. |
A cantor is permitted at the
discretion of the Pastor and the
cantor. It is preferable that the
cantor be positioned away from the
assembly at a sizeable distance from
others. |
|
33. Organist/Musician |
Permitted at the discretion of the
Pastor. |
Permitted at the discretion of the
Pastor. |
|
34. Ushers/Greeters |
Not permitted. |
At the discretion of the Pastor,
several ushers will be needed to
direct the assembly as they enter the
Church and cut off attendance if it
exceeds 25% occupancy. |
|
35. Controlled entrance
into Churches for
Masses |
Masses with the Presence of the
Faithful are not permitted. |
You may wish to use a system to
determine those who are permitted
to enter into the Church for Mass.
Some form of ticketing or sign-up
may help in those parishes where
large numbers of the faithful will
want to return to Churches for
Mass. |
|
SUNDAY & WEEKDAY
MASSES |
If the Priest Celebrant feels ill, the
Daily or Sunday Masses must be
cancelled. If the Priest Celebrant is
uncomfortable to celebrate Mass because
he is at risk, he may explain to his
People his health concerns and cancel
the Mass. |
||
36. Schedule of Masses |
Livestreamed Masses for the
Faithful are strongly encouraged. |
At the discretion of the Pastor, Mass
schedules for Sundays and
weekdays may be adjusted
according to need. All of the
requirements for sanitization after each Mass are mandatory. It is
strongly encouraged to begin with a
reduced number of Masses to
ensure proper cleaning can take
place. Masses may take place in
Churches, Church halls that have
been properly suited for the needs
of this time, in parking lots with
people remaining in their cars (those
who walk to Church may be seated
on a lawn chair with distancing in a
special section), and in fields located
on parish or diocesan property, but
ensuring adequate social distancing.
Livestreaming of Masses is strongly
encouraged for those who are not
comfortable with attending. |
|
37. Offertory Collection |
Parishes are strongly encouraged
to implement an online giving
program if they currently do not
have one. |
No offering may be taken up by
pew. Baskets are to be set up in a
secure place for individuals to use
as needed. They should not be left
near entrances of Churches or any
other location that risks thievery. |
|
38. Offertory Procession |
Not Permitted. |
Not Permitted. |
|
39. Preparation of the
Chalice |
The Priest Celebrant alone
prepares the Main Chalice. |
The Priest Celebrant alone prepares
the Main Chalice and he alone
elevates the Chalice for the
Doxology.
With the use of a secondary chalice,
concelebrants are to communicate
by means of intinction. A deacon
does not receive from the Chalice
during the Yellow Phase. |
|
40. Exchange of the Sign
of Peace |
Omitted. |
Omitted. |
|
41. Reception of Holy
Communion by the
Faithful |
In extremis-only. |
Holy Communion may be received
in the hand or on the tongue, with
encouragement of the Faithful to
receive in the hand for greater
caution. No one is to be refused
Holy Communion for their
preference of reception. If a separate
line can be created for those who
prefer to receive on the tongue, this
is preferred. Also, the Distribution
of Holy Communion to the faithful
is strongly encouraged after Mass. |
|
42. Purification of Vessels |
The Priest Celebrant purifies all
vessels after Holy Communion or
after Mass. |
The Priest Celebrant purifies all
vessels after Holy Communion or
after Mass. |
|
CONFESSIONS |
|||
43. In Churches |
Hearing Confessions in Churches
may resume in a well-ventilated
area. It is encouraged that the
Priest hears Confessionals outside
of the Confessional.
A Priest may not hear Confessions
inside the Rectory.
Proper signs and directions for
penitents should be used to
maintain social distancing for
those waiting in line. Priests and
Penitents are to wear masks,
unless a protective barrier makes
this unnecessary. |
A Priest may not hear Confessions
inside the Rectory.
Hearing Confessions in Churches
may resume in a well-ventilated
area. Confessionals are often too
confined and unsafe. A place within
the Church may be set up ensuring
privacy and necessary health
precautions. Proper signs and
directions for penitents should be
used to maintain social distancing
for those waiting in line. Priests and
Penitents are to wear masks, unless
a protective barrier makes this
unnecessary. |
|
44. In Alternative Spaces |
The creative means of hearing
Confessions, such as an outdoor
station, is highly recommended
and preferred to enclosed spaces. A place may be set up ensuring
privacy. Proper signs and
directions for penitents should be
used to maintain social distancing
for those waiting in line. Priests
are to wear masks, unless a
protective barrier makes this
unnecessary.
The Sacrament is not to be
celebrated via cell phone. In
addition, in the present
circumstances, cell phones should
not be used even for amplification
of voices between a confessor and
a penitent who are in visual range
of each other. |
The creative means of hearing
Confessions, such as an outdoor
station, is highly recommended and
preferred to enclosed spaces. A place may be set up ensuring
privacy. Proper signs and directions
for penitents should be used to
maintain social distancing for those
waiting in line. Priests are to wear
masks, unless a protective barrier
makes this unnecessary.
The Sacrament is not to be
celebrated via cell phone. In
addition, in the present
circumstances, cell phones should
not be used even for amplification
of voices between a confessor and a
penitent who are in visual range of
each other. |
|
ANOINTING OF
THE SICK |
|||
45. Hospitals/Nursing
Homes |
Mindful of the restrictions at all
area hospitals and nursing
facilities, the Priest should adhere
to their policy. In a hospital or
nursing home, Priests should use
all Personal Protective Equipment
(masks/gowns/etc.) that is
provided. The Laying on of Hands
is omitted. The patient should be
anointed with a cotton swab that
may be discarded in the hazardous
material bin (which will be
burned) or isolated in a small bag
and properly disposed of through
burial or burning. |
Mindful of the restrictions at all area
hospitals and nursing facilities, the
Priest should adhere to their policy.
In a hospital or nursing home,
Priests should use all Personal
Protective Equipment
(masks/gowns/etc.) that is provided.
The Laying on of Hands is omitted.
The patient should be anointed with
a cotton swab that may be discarded
in the hazardous material bin
(which will be burned) or isolated in
a small bag and properly disposed
of through burial or burning.
No communal celebrations of the
Anointing of the Sick may take
place. |
|
VISITATION OF THE SICK |
|||
46. Homebound |
In extremis-only. |
Only Priests may bring Holy
Communion to the homebound at
the discretion of the Pastor and the
Homebound. Extreme caution must
be taken. The Priest must wear a
cloth mask and should remain
outside the home socially distanced
from the homebound. The Priest
may talk to the homebound who
remains at the door. At the time for
Holy Communion, the Priest
approaches the homebound with
sanitized hands and distributes
Holy Communion. Extraordinary
Ministers of Holy Communion are
not permitted to bring Holy
Communion to the homebound. |
|
PARISH AND ADULT
CONFIRMATIONS |
|||
47. Confirmation |
Postponed as of 12 March 2020. |
Bishop Schlert extends the faculty to
all Priests in the Diocese of
Allentown to confirm until
September 30, 2020. For the
anointing with Sacred Chrism, one
cotton ball is to be used for each
confirmand, then placed in a paper
bag to be burned afterwards.
In all cases, the notation “delegatus”
should accompany the Pastor’s
signature in the Confirmation
register. |
|
WEDDINGS |
|||
48.Order of
Celebrating Matrimony |
The Order of Celebrating
Matrimony within or without
Mass is permitted with 10 or fewer guests. |
Weddings may resume, with 25%
occupancy and protective measures
indicated above. All regulations for Sunday/Weekday Masses are to be
followed. |
|
FUNERALS |
|||
49.Funeral Masses/Burials |
Funeral Masses are permitted with
10 or fewer guests. Memorial
Masses are encouraged to take
place at a later date. |
Funerals may resume, with 25%
occupancy and protective measures
indicated above. All regulations for
Sunday/Weekday Masses are to be
followed. |
|
50. Viewings |
Not permitted inside the Church. |
Because of the natural tendency to
express condolences and the
possibility of close proximity of
family/guests, a viewing is not
permitted inside the Church. A
funeral home is a more appropriate
setting for a viewing in the Yellow
Phase. Drive-in viewings in Church
parking lots are only permitted if a
Funeral Home is unable to
accommodate the family’s request
for a viewing. |
|
BAPTISM (INFANT) |
|||
51. Attendees |
The Sacrament of Baptism is
permitted only for one child at a
time (10 attendees maximum). In
the event, a family has more than
one member to be baptized (e.g.
twins), this is permitted as well. |
The Sacrament of Baptism is
permitted only for one child at a
time. In the event, a family has
more than one member to be
baptized (e.g. twins), this is
permitted as well.
No more than 25% of the Church’s Occupancy is permitted. |
|
52. Water |
Water for the celebration of the
Sacrament should be refreshed for
each Baptism. The font should be
sanitized after the Baptism. |
Water for the celebration of the
Sacrament should be refreshed for
each Baptism. The font should be
sanitized after the Baptism. |
|
53. Rite |
A priest or deacon may use cotton
swabs to apply the Oil of
Catechumens and the Sacred
Chrism. The priest or deacon should recite the Ephpheta Prayer, but should not touch the child’s mouth or ears as called for in the Order of Celebrating Baptism. |
A priest or deacon may use cotton swabs to apply the Oil of Catechumens and the Sacred Chrism.
The priest or deacon should recite the Ephpheta Prayer, but should not touch the child’s mouth or ears as called for in the Order of Celebrating Baptism.
|
|
CHRISTIAN
INITIATION OF ADULTS |
|||
54. Elect & Candidates |
Not permitted at the Easter Vigil. |
The celebration of Christian
Initiation of Adults may be
scheduled at any time, even
weekdays, at the discretion of the
Pastor.
25% occupancy requirements and
precautions indicated above are to
be observed. The Rite for full
initiation of catechumens follows the
ritual for the Easter Vigil, using the
Mass of the Day if occurring on a
Sunday or Solemnity, or a ritual
Mass (#3 For the Conferral of
Baptism). |
|
1st HOLY COMMUNION |
|||
55. Timetable |
Not Permitted. |
It is the Pastor’s discretion to
reschedule his Parish’s First Holy
Communion to a suitable time.
25% occupancy and protective measures indicated above are to be followed. All regulations for Sunday/Weekday Masses are to be followed. |
|
PROCESSIONS |
|||
56. Forty Hours |
No formal hours of adoration are
permitted. |
Periods of Exposition and Adoration
of the Most Blessed Sacrament may
occur at the discretion of the Pastor.
All precautions for Sunday/Weekday
Masses are to be maintained. |
|
57. Corpus Christi |
Not permitted. |
Eucharistic Procession may be
rescheduled to a later date. |
Appendix 1: Distribution of Holy Communion After Mass (Strongly Recommended)
Following the recommendations of the Thomistic Institute, whenever Mass is celebrated with the Presence of the Faithful in the Yellow Phase, the distribution of Holy Communion will happen after Mass has concluded. This ensures the possibility of proper instruction, social distancing, sanitary conditions for distribution, and leaves space for those who do not feel comfortable receiving Holy Communion at this time.
- After his reception of Holy Communion (and that of the other clergy present), the Priest places the vessel with the consecrated hosts for distribution into the tabernacle. The vessel should not remain on the altar. Mass then continues and is concluded.
- After the Dismissal or after the final hymn, following the norms for these, the Priest may return to the sacristy or to the Presidential Chair to remove his chasuble and don a face mask. Gloves should not be worn.
- A small table with hand sanitizer, an ablution cup, and a purificator is set up at the location for distribution of Holy Communion.
- The assembly forms a communion procession using the norm of 6 feet between communicants. (Markings on the floor should be made to indicate appropriate distancing.)
- Each communicant approaches to receive Holy Communion with their mask lowered. They may receive in the hand or on the tongue, as permitted by the law of the Church. No one is to be refused or publicly rebuked for their choice.
- Priests may encourage the careful reception of Holy Communion on the hand as a preference.
- The Priest (or, whoever is distributing), should purify and sanitize his hands as often as he thinks it is necessary. This is not necessary after each person. It is necessary if contact has been suspected. Or, if a communicant requests it.
- A separate line for those who prefer to receive on the tongue is permitted.
- Those who have received Holy Communion are encouraged to leave in an orderly manner to prevent overcrowding at the entrance/exit doors.
- The Priest reposes the Blessed Sacrament into the Tabernacle and, after using the ablution cup, proceeds to the sacristy where he washes his hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Appendix 2: Purification and Cleaning of Sacred Vessels
- Sacred vessels should be purified and properly sanitized.
- While the purification happens after each use, a thorough sanitization is needed only periodically if the vessel is used by only one Priest. For vessels used by multiple Priests and those that come in contact with sacristans and others, purification and cleaning should happen after each use.
- Be careful to avoid damaging precious metals by using harsh astringents and cleaners. Instruction for care of your vessel may be available from the manufacturer. If not, a light washing with warm, soap water should be sufficient. In some cases, it is possible to use a diluted solution of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to wipe the brim and inside of the cup. Gentle washing will prevent damage that occurs through vigorous scrubbing. Since vessels differ, please consult the manufacturer for cleaning, if possible.
Appendix 3: Proper Sanitation of Church Spaces
- While the CDC does not specify exactly how Church spaces are to be sanitized, within the Diocese of Allentown you are asked to follow the guidelines for cleaning businesses, as best as possible. This includes regular sanitation of bathrooms, door handles, and other high contact places. Pews should be cleaned according to the care instructions proper to their make. In most cases, certain cleansers damage the wood and should be avoided. Warm, lightly soapy water is often the best course of care.
- The faithful should be encouraged to bring disinfecting wipes to sanitize the pew before and after their visit. In preparation for the “yellow phase,” pastors are encouraged to make every effort to obtain disinfecting wipes or disinfecting sprays, in the event that a member of the faithful does not have his or her own individual wipes.
- The faithful should be encouraged to bring hand sanitizer before and after their visit. In preparation for the “yellow phase,” pastors are encouraged to make every effort to obtain hand sanitizer, in the event that a member of the faithful does not have his or her own individual sanitizer.
Appendix 4: Masses in Social Halls, Parking Lots, and on Parish Grounds
- Whenever Masses are held in social halls appropriate social distancing is required. Only 25% of the capacity of the social hall’s maximum capacity is permitted and precautions indicated above are to be observed.
- When Masses occur in parking lots with parishioners remaining in their vehicles, either the vehicles must be spaced widely apart or parishioners should wear masks while in their vehicles.
- No pastor should feel obliged to celebrate Mass in his parking lot, especially if he is advanced in age or has compromised health.
- If a pastor chooses to celebrate Mass in his parking lot, the following must be in place:
- Altar must be covered by a tent or canopy. Altar may be placed under a portico or covered area of a building. If there is a threat of lightning, the Mass should not be started.
- A portable sound system should be used to amplify your voice, or
- A personal FM transmitter may be used to transmit your voice into a car radio frequency.
- In all situations, the faithful must remain in their own cars. The faithful should not leave their vehicles.
- Those who walk to Mass are permitted to attend a Parking Lot Mass provided they are socially distant in a separate section. They are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
- Only permissible people to be outside their vehicle:
- Priest celebrant and concelebrants (socially distanced)
- Deacon (socially distanced)
- 1 Lector
- 2-4 Ushers wearing Masks and Gloves and bright colored vests (direct traffic and assist with the collection using baskets with extended handles). In the event of light rain, an usher should carry an umbrella over the priest/deacon during the distribution of Holy Communion.
- Cars should be parked in every other stall to allow for the priest or deacon to move for the Distribution of Holy Communion. Also, if a car has any occupant that will receive Holy Communion on the tongue, the car should be parked in a special section. A separate priest or deacon will distribute to this section. o Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Altar Servers are not permitted in the “yellow phase.”
- The Priest Celebrant alone prepares the chalice and elevates it for the Doxology.
- No offertory processions are permitted in the “yellow phase.”
- Exchange of the Sign of Peace remains suspended.
- Distribution of Holy Communion under the form of the Sacred Host is permitted.
- Concelebrating priests should receive by intinction by utilizing a separate Chalice.
- Distribution of the Precious Blood to the Deacon and the Faithful remains suspended.
- Priests and deacons should be the only ones to distribute Holy Communion. They must use hand sanitizer prior to distribution and afterwards.
- In all circumstances, the priest must make every effort to not make contact with the communicant’s hand or mouth.
- A priest should sanitize his hand immediately in the event that he makes contact accidentally with someone’s hand or mouth.
- If the Priest exercises the option to distribute Holy Communion after Mass, a Priest may stand in a stationary location and a car drives to the Priest for the distribution of Holy Communion. Driver and any passengers should remain in the car. Since the distribution of Holy Communion occurs in this manner after Mass, the priest/deacons should wear a cloth mask for the Distribution of Holy Communion and may also remove his chasuble since an alb is easier to launder.
- The faithful should be reminded that if they feel ill, they should not attend Sunday Mass.
- If the priest celebrant feels ill, the Sunday Mass must be cancelled.
- A Pastor may celebrate Mass outside of the Church on parish grounds. People may be seated in lawn chairs. In all cases, the people must remain socially distant. All precautions listed above must be in place.
Appendix 5: Precautions for the Anointing of the Sick
- For an Anointing of the Sick in a home, the following guidance has been provided by a local epidemiological expert:
- Prior to entering the home, use hand sanitizer o Put on a pair of clean, disposable gloves
- Put on a facemask (make sure to have a tight seal around the nose)
- Use cotton swab to anoint the parishioner. (proper disposal: keep swab isolated until priest is able to burn/bury)
- Use hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands
- Depart the home and once you are in your car, disinfect again with hand sanitizer.
- When you return to your home remove your shoes and place them outside, if possible. If you are able, change shoes at your car and place them in the trunk or in a separate bag.
- Immediately wash and dry the clothes you were wearing at the visit
- Take a warm shower.