We are happy to announce that we have received an update from the Diocese on protocols surrounding Covid 19 and instructions on re-opening cautiously. Although permitted on March 1st, here at Holy Family we will be delaying the following changes until the first Sunday of Lent (March 5/6).
Please review carefully:
In accordance with the public health and workplace safety measures, churches may open to full capacity (the same is true for Parish halls and other meeting rooms);
Attendees should self-screen for any symptoms prior to arrival at Mass;
Masks must continue to be worn by all those attending Mass, two years and older;
Hand sanitizers should continue to be available to parishioners at church entrances;
The use of Holy Water is permitted;
All liturgical ministers (Deacons, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Lectors, Servers, Music Minister) may resume – with attention to distancing whenever possible – vaccination is not required – masks are required;
Choirs may resume provided they wear masks when singing;
Children’s Liturgy, if resumed, must include mandatory masking for the children;
Minimal contact offertory collection is encouraged. At Holy Family we will continue to use our drop box collection as we have been doing;
The sign of peace by shaking hands is discouraged at this time. It would be appropriate to resume this practice when masks are no longer required and people are more comfortable being in close contact with those outside their household;
At Holy Family we will remain to receive communion from Fr. Emmanuel only, and continue in the format we have been currently using. Please keep a respectful distance from those in front of you;
Communion in the hand is highly encouraged at this time. Those who wish to receive on the tongue should come forward at the end of the Communion procession. Communion from the Chalice is not permitted at this time.
Once again, these changes will take effect on the first Sunday of Lent (March 5/6).
