The World Health Organization has declared that COVID-19 is no longer considered a health emergency on a global scale. Our government has also ended the “emergency” classification in our own nation. We, therefore, are relaxing some of our parish protocols and returning to the way we celebrated Mass prior to the Covid emergency.
There will no longer be a socially-distanced section in the Assembly. The hosts will no longer be kept covered on the altar. Eucharistic Ministers (EMs) will no longer be required to wear masks, as they distribute communion. It will be their option if they want to use one or not. EMs will sanitize their hands when they come up to the altar, not immediately before distributing communion. If a communicant receives communion on the tongue, the EM will sanitize his hands only if he believes saliva has touched his fingers. Sharing from the cup will return as an option. Because of the positive feedback we have received, we will continue to invite people to come forward with their tithe and food donations.
COVID-19 has not disappeared, and there still are tens of thousands of cases in the country. Here is what you can do to keep the community safe.
- If sick with any cold or flu symptoms, stay home.
- Keep updated with your vaccinations.
- If you have been exposed to COVID-19, follow CDC guidelines.
For the time being, we will continue to supply masks and hand sanitizer for those who wish to use them.