Dear Friends in Christ,
Big news today! After careful thought and prayerful discernment, the Archbishop has approved the plan for the limited reopening of Masses to go into effect this weekend, starting with the Saturday evening Vigil Mass on May 9. The dispensation for the Sunday Mass obligation remains in effect, so no one is required or expected to attend Mass on the weekends with this reopening. Parishioners will have an expanded opportunity to attend Mass during the weekdays.
We realize that not every parish will be able and ready to reopen Masses this weekend. Parishes that can implement the requirements of the plan, including physical distancing and cleaning, are welcome to do so. Each Mass can be reopened to a maximum allowed by law of 25 total people. Determination of parish readiness is left solely to the pastor. If a parish is unable to meet the requirements detailed in the Plan for Limited Reopening Masses, the parish cannot reopen Masses.
The faithful are asked to have patience if their parish is unable to reopen Masses at this time. Pastors have only had the detailed plan for reopening a short while, and the planning and organization required are extensive, especially for some of our larger parishes. Sign-up systems, seating plans, and sanitizing crews must be organized and plans clearly communicated to parishioners prior to implementation. For more information and a detailed outline of the plan, see below.
Limited Reopening of Masses Announced!
- Archbishop Sample gives his approval to begin a limited reopening of Masses starting with the Saturday evening Vigil Mass on May 9, 2020.
- In accordance with Governor Brown’s executive orders, the number of people at a Mass cannot exceed 25. This includes the celebrant, essential ministers, cantors, videographers and anyone present. Under NO circumstances can more than 25 people be present.
- Must sign-up. Can’t show-up. The faithful must sign-up for Mass through their parish. Those who simply show-up for Mass must be turned away. This is due largely to public health contact tracing requirements. First and Last name and contact number required for all attendees.
- In order to reopen Masses, a parish must fulfill the requirements outlined in the Plan for Limited Reopening of Masses. For a copy of the Archbishop’s May 1 letter to pastors and the detailed Plan for Limited Reopening of Masses, see HERE: English / Spanish
- Many parishes may not be able to reopen Masses beginning this weekend. Many factors may prevent a parish reopening Masses (underlying health conditions of pastor, lack of volunteers for cleaning, lack of cleaning supplies)
- The faithful are asked to be patient, understanding and supportive of their pastor if their parish is unable to reopen Masses at this time.
Key Points for the Faithful
- A general dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation will remain in place. Mass attendance is not required.
- Those who attend Mass do so at their own risk. Vulnerable, at-risk and otherwise concerned persons should remain home.
- Anyone with the slightest symptoms or feelings of sickness must remain home.
- Livestreaming of Masses will continue to be encouraged.
- Must Sign-up. Can’t Show-up. The faithful must sign-up for Mass at their parish in order to attend. They are asked to sign-up at only one parish. No one who simply shows-up for a Mass can be allowed entrance. NO Exceptions.
- The faithful are asked to be charitable and understanding if their pastor is unable to reopen Masses.
- Charity and understanding are counseled to the faithful if they are unable to attend Mass on the weekend (for those who want to go specifically on Sundays) due to space limitations.
Reopening Webinar for Pastors and Parish Staff
This Wednesday, May 6 from 1-2:30 PM, the Pastoral Center will host a webinar for pastors/administrators and the staff they designate. We will review the framework for reopening Masses, share helpful resources, and allow substantial time for questions and answers. Zoom meeting link and passcode will be sent to pastors tomorrow. Prior to the webinar, please send reopening questions (as well as helpful ideas and good resources for parishes) to Todd Cooper at:
[email protected]
.
Reopening Readiness Checklist
Tomorrow, we will publish a reopening “readiness checklist” for pastors to assess their parish readiness for reopening Masses.
Resources for Reopening Masses
We are currently preparing a webpage to assist parishes with the limited reopening of Masses. A link will be published tomorrow. Please contact the Department of Pastoral Ministries or Clergy to problem-solve or with concerns or if you need practical help obtaining cleaning supplies. Clergy Office:
[email protected]
or
[email protected]
or DPM:
[email protected]
.
Have a wonderful week,
Todd Cooper
Director of Special Ministries of the Archbishop
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair
Archdiocesan Prayer for Our Time
Please continue to join us praying daily the diocesan prayer during the pandemic.
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