ATTENDING MASS DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
    In view of the global pandemic (and governmental guidelines and restrictions, Bishop Zubik has granted a dispensation from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation until further notice.
    This means that no one is obligated to attend Mass during this time.  If you choose not to attend Mass, our parishes provide Mass on YouTube - CLICK HERE

•     If you choose to attend Mass, the parish is doing everything possible to make it safe for you to do so.  This includes restricting seating to 25% of capacity and appropriate sanitizing.
•     If you choose to attend Mass, some form of face covering (of the nose and mouth) is REQUIRED.  You are expected to keep the covering on during the entire time you are in church (except for reception of Holy Communion).   This mask requirement is not a political issue but an issue of mutual care for one another.  Those who are attending with you expect the church to be as safe as possible.  In order to do that we all need to work together.
•    Seating at Mass is in designated pews.  There are basically three places in each pew for seating, that is the middle, and each end.   Please do not expect that you can sit at the end and thereby claim the entire pew.  If you force people to climb over you to get to the middle, you are putting yourself and others at risk.  If you are the first to enter the pew, please move to the middle.
•     It the expectation of the Diocese that after receiving Holy Communion (after Mass is concluded), people leave the church.   This facilitates the sanitizing of the space and also is to encourage people to go to their cars and not congregate.

    RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
    The Distribution of Holy Communion during a pandemic requires patience and attention to detail.    Please read and observe the following points:

•     Please wear your mask until AFTER you have received Holy Communion in your hand, lower the mask to consume the Sacred Host.   Please extend your hands as much as possible and have your hand as flat as possible so that the fingers of the one distributing Holy Communion can do so without touching your hand.
•     Please receive Holy Communion in your hand.   Despite what some say, saliva on the fingers (of the one distributing) is not prudent for good health.   With the number of priests and deacons very limited in our parish.   If they become ill or come in close contact with someone who has tested positive, restrictions will be in placed and fewer (or no) Masses will be celebrated for weeks.