Dear Parishioners:
Before we are permitted to re-open our churches for public Masses, there are things you need to know and to follow when you come to worship. The following directives will be implemented during Phase-I of Re-opening:
- There will be a strict limited number of attendance (the exact number to be determined).
- The dispensation for the faithful from the obligation to participate in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days remains effective throughout Phase I of Re-opening.
- For those who are at High Risk for contracting COVID-19, please stay home. When home visits are permitted, a priest, deacon or Eucharistic Minister may visit with Holy Communion.
- The elderly and families with young children (who may find it difficult to maintain a six-foot distance from others) are strongly encouraged to stay home.
- For those who, on any given day when having a cough or feeling sick, are strongly encouraged not to participate in Mass or visit the church for any ceremony.
- A Live-Stream Mass for Sunday will be scheduled during Phase-I Re-opening (Time will be Determined).
- In accordance with current public health recommendations, the faithful should wear cloth face coverings when in public, including when they come to church. Children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing should not have face coverings.
- A Six-Foot Distance from others should be maintained at all times in church. Members of a single household do not need to practice physical distancing with each other.
- Sanitizing stations will be provided at the entrance of both churches. The pews and surfaces in the church will be sanitized after each Mass.
- Church cry-rooms will be closed; except for access to the restrooms.
- Only a musician and a cantor are allowed; Choir is not permitted due to the close proximity to others.
- Altar servers should not serve Masses during Phase I.
- The offertory procession (bringing up the gifts) will be omitted.
- Holy Communion will be distributed AFTER MASS. Also, a 6-foot distance is to be maintained for all Communion-lines.
- The faithful should REMOVE any FACE COVERINGS or GLOVES (If receive in the hand) before coming forward for Holy Communion. The faithful are encouraged to not receive Holy Communion on the tongue. Those who wish to receive on the tongue should wait until the end since more hand purification is required on the part of the priest.
- After receiving Holy Communion, the faithful are encouraged to depart using the marked EXIT DOORS only.
As we are facing this inconvenient and challenging time together, I ask for your understanding and cooperation in keeping the above protocols for your own safety and the safety of others. With the help of God, together we will prevail. May God bless you and protect you from all harms. I hope to see you soon.
Fr. Joe Pham.