Dear Parishioners,
We are excited that the day has finally come for us to offer public celebrations of the Mass and the sacraments. Since there are still restrictions in place set forth by Governor Baker, Bishop McManus has continued suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Worship until December 31, 2020. That means we want to welcome those who feel that they can comply with the restrictions set forth by the Commonwealth - and who are not in a high risk group.
Remember: We pray for the sick at every Mass, but those who are sick or at risk of this Pandemic should stay home.
When you come to Church this weekend or during this Phase of the Governor's plan, you must follow the guidelines. (A short video is found below which explains them clearly and succinctly.)
IMPORTANT: We cannot exceed 40% of our official seating capacity at any Mass. In order to comply, only ONE DOOR (Glass Door/Bell Tower Entrance) will be used to enter the church. Usher(s) will be keeping a count at the entrance. Please wear a face mask as you enter, maintaining a 6 foot distance from those ahead of you. All other doors will be locked and designated "Exit Only".
Because of the limit, we follow the rule of "First Come, First Served." If capacity in the Upper Church is reached, we will direct the remainder of the faithful to the Large Hall of the Parish Center.
Please...
1.
Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more at all times. Immediate families may, of course, sit closer. This also applies to standing in line for communion or even when entering or leaving the church.
2.
Wear a face mask or covering at all times except during the reception of Holy Communion.
3.
Do not ask people to "slide down a pew" - since you would then be touching shared surfaces which have not been cleaned. Also, do not use pews which have been blocked off from use in order to maintain sufficient social distance.
4.
Use hand sanitizer whenever requested to do so.
5.
Follow the directions of the ushers - this includes waiting to get into line for receiving communion until the usher has directed you to do so, in order to maintain 6 foot distances between families in the aisle.
6.
No collections will be take in the pews but please leave your donation or Offertory envelope in the identified basket upon entrance or exit from the church
There will be no social gathering at the church while we are in this Phase of Reopening Massachusetts. Following the Mass, the church will need to be closed for sufficient time for a crew to clean the pews and other common surfaces before the next scheduled Mass. Your cooperation at exiting in a safe and timely manner is appreciated