May 16th 2020 A.D. Update on Parish Life at St. Stephen's

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:  

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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.

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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.
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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.