This Sunday, Masses will be celebrated outside on the large field next to the parish hall in English at 9:30am, 11:30am, and 5:00pm, and in Spanish at 1:30pm
(there is no Saturday evening vigil Mass). The time changes are necessary to allow for longer setup, communion distribution, and entry and exit times.
The dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation remains in place at least through June 28th, and we will continue to
live stream Mass (9:30am and 1:30pm at
facebook.com/stcatherinercc/videos) for those who wish to watch a Mass online. But for those who would like to attend Mass in person, this setting of Mass outdoors will reduce the risk of contagion significantly. Specifically, parishioners will bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets and will be able to spread out on the field. There will be no reason to touch anything that anyone else has touched or violate social distancing protocols. Please refer to the specific information below, so that we can implement this plan in as orderly a manner as possible and ensure the safety of our parishioners.
General Mass Logistics and Protocols
Precautionary measures for Mass previously in place will remain in effect (suspension of administration of the Precious Blood and the sign of peace, as well as the cessation of holding hands during the Our Father). Additionally, congregational singing will be kept at a minimum. As a reminder,
those who are not feeling well should remain at home out of concern for others, and those who are at higher risk or are concerned that their family might become sick by attending Mass should remain at home and are encouraged to watch Mass online.
Attire
Please remember that even though Mass will be held outdoors, appropriate attire should still be worn. T-shirts and flip flops would not be appropriate for attendance at Mass. Dress shorts and hats are appropriate, however, under the current circumstances.
Face Masks
Please note that archdiocesan regulations indicate that individuals attending Mass are urged to wear a face mask, although masks are not required for Masses outdoors. Parents should judge whether or not it is appropriate for their young children to wear a mask. Those not wearing a mask should be sure to maintain strict social distancing at all times.
Entry/Exit Points
There will be two entry/exit points for the Masses on the field. One entry/exit is located on the backside of the parish hall via the patio (walk to the backside of the parish hall using the path between the gym and the parish hall). The other entry/exit is located near the main doors on the front side of the parish hall (steps leading down to the field). Ushers will be at all Masses directing people to particular entrances/exits to avoid bottlenecks. Before and after Mass, parishioners should not break social distancing protocols when interacting with other parishioners and should try to enter and exit in an orderly way maintaining appropriate distance with others.
Offertory Baskets
Restrooms
Restrooms will be available for use in the parish hall (the church will not be open during Sunday Masses). An usher will control the numbers entering the restroom at the same time to ensure proper social distancing.
Distribution of Communion
Holy Communion will be distributed by the ministers who will come out into the crowd (parishioners should stay in their places). Those who are receiving Holy Communion may receive by hand or on the tongue. Parishioners should try to sanitize their own hands immediately before the distribution of Holy Communion begins using their own alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wipes and should avoid coughing or sneezing if possible after that point. (The ministers will follow the same directives and will wear masks as well.). If the minister touches the hand or the tongue of the communicant, they will immediately sanitize their hands.
Reminder of Items to Bring for Mass
-Lawn chairs and/or towels for seating on the field and patio.
-Hand sanitizer or wipes
-Face mask
-Umbrella for shelter against sun or rain
-Water to keep hydrated in the heat
