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Latest Masking Mandate Update:
Starting February 27th
After careful consideration and prayer, following the CDC recommendations, I am lifting the mandate to wear a mask in Church, both at St. Mary's and St. Philip's. Unvaccinated people and people with a weakened or compromised immune system need to continue to wear a mask. We will continue to have a section at both Churches that will offer more safety with seating in every other pew and require proper distancing for those who are not of the same household. This is effective February 27, 2022.
RESCINDING THE MANDATE TO WEAR A MASK IN CHURCH
Thanks,
Fr. Leo
Pastor -
Here's a summary of the changes to the COVID restrictions you can expect this weekend at all Masses:
- The Bishop has authorized the relaxation of all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated individuals; no masks are required for those individuals and seating in all pews will be available, except as described in the following bullets.
- For both parishes, a section of pews in the back right will be reserved for those not vaccinated or for those who prefer to maintain social distancing.
- Sign-ups/pre-registration for Masses are no longer required.
- Masks are allowed for any who prefer to continue wearing them.
- Singing (but not choirs), missals, Holy Water, will be allowed...though may be phased in over the coming weeks.
- Sanitation rules are changed to weekly, except for the reserved section that will continue to be cleaned after each Mass. Bathrooms, doors and railings are disinfected in between every mass.
- Hand sanitizers will be available at each entrance at both churches and on the small tables up front for those who have not been fully vaccinated yet and for those who wish to use them.
- Distribution of Holy Communion will exclude the Precious Blood until COVID cases drop further.
- Eucharistic Ministers and Altar Servers will be phased in, following refresher training, and limited until the Fall.
- The Bishop has determined that the dispensation from attending Mass in-person will be lifted effective June 5th, and all practicing Catholics will be required to attend Mass in-person unless sick or otherwise unable.
- We even have Holy Water touch-less dispensers at each entrance!
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Other Updates:
- Confessions will be kept as is at St. Mary’s: On Tuesday's, confessions are heard in the rectory from 12:45-1:30. Please come to the back door and ring the bell. Saturday's confession will be 2:45 - 3:30pm in the Family Room next to the altar. You can also make an appointment any time by calling Fr. Leo at (508) 450-0281.
- Contact with priest and deacon, such as greeting parishioners before and after Mass, resumes as before COVID times.
- No special precautions are needed for Baptisms, weddings and funerals. At St. Mary’s, we encourage parents to consider baptisms during Mass at 10:30am on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, or on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month during the 4:00pm Mass. At St. Philip’s, we encourage parents to consider baptisms outside of Mass on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
- Anointing of the sick in the home will resume as before. Priests and deacons must wear masks and social distance in healthcare facilities.
- Gatherings for non-liturgical reasons in our Parish Hall and both Gathering Spaces will resume as before COVID times.
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Mass Live Stream:
NOTE: Our last live stream was July 25th. However, we are recording the 10:30am Mass and posting it to the website. Links to videos are on our Homilies page here. We will still post Homily audio when received from Fr. Leo or Dn. Tim.
