Guidelines For Public Liturgies During Pandemic
Should I come to Liturgy?
Anyone who is ill, symptomatic, or has been exposed to someone else with the coronavirus within 14 days cannot enter the church. This is in accord with national, state, and local health directives. We also ask everyone to check their temperature at home before deciding if you are coming to Liturgy. You can find the current symptoms of the coronavirus at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website www.cdc.gov.
Those who are at risk because of an underlying health issue or who are over 60 are strongly encouraged, for their own health, to avoid the risk of attending public celebrations of the Liturgy.
What should I do if I cannot come to Liturgy?
We will continue to livestream our Liturgies on our Facebook page. Monday through Thursday Liturgy will be at 9:00 am. Saturday Liturgy will be at 4:00 pm and Sunday liturgies will be at 9:00 am & 11:00am .
Parishioners who would like to have Holy Communion brought to their homes should contact the office @ 978.685.7233 during normal business hours. The frequency of our visits for Holy Communion will depend upon the number of requests.
How will we be kept safe when we come to Liturgy?
All pews are wiped down with disinfectant; and all Qurbono Books are removed; and all surfaces used frequently (restroom facilities, door handles, etc.) are sanitized before each service.
Everyone attending Liturgy is obligated to wear a mask or other facial covering. The only exception during Liturgy is when we are seated in the pew and when receiving Holy Communion.
You’ll be asked to observe social distancing – staying at least six feet from people not in your household. Only certain pews are available for seating. When you arrive, please use your good judgment about where to sit. Be respectful and accommodating towards others as they arrive and look for seating.
You’ll find the holy water fonts are empty and that there is hand sanitizer available. You’ll notice there will be no offertory procession, no sign of peace, and no passing of the collection basket.
You can drop your donation in a stationary basket, or continue to use the online provided by your parish.
Can we receive Holy Communion?
Yes, but only the Most Precious Body and only by hand. Floor markings shall be placed six feet apart in the aisles in which the congregation approaches the sanctuary for Holy Communion to facilitate proper social distancing.
When approaching the Communion minister, the communicant is to pull their mask or other facial covering below their chin and present one hand resting on the palm of the other. After responding “Amen,” the communicant reverently places the Eucharist in his or her mouth and immediately replaces their mask or other facial covering.
What do we need to keep in mind as we leave Liturgy?
Please leave Liturgy together as a household, wearing your masks or other facial covering and observing six feet of distance from others. You will not be permitted to congregate in the narthex, and no receptions or social gathering following Liturgy can be held.
I’m in the choir or a lector. What should we do?
Choirs are not allowed to assemble; cantors are acceptable to lead music at Liturgy.
Lectors and all lay ministers are obligated to wear masks and maintain the social distance of six feet as much as possible.
What about servers?
At this time, we will not be maintaining the usual server schedule. Servers are welcome to check in at the sacristy before Liturgy to see if the priest needs a server.
When should children wear masks?
Parents should determine when a child is old enough to attend Liturgy and can abide by the safety guidelines.