Guidelines for Returning to Mass

While our county remains in the Yellow Phase of statewide reopening, all of us need to do our part to make sure that the celebration of Mass is a peaceful and safe experience for all. Please take the time to read the instructions below. We ask everyone to follow these guidelines when attending Mass during this period:

GENERAL POINTS

• The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation continues to be lifted during the Yellow Phase. You are not required to attend Mass at this time. 
• Please stay home if you are sick. 
• Please stay home if you are at higher risk of severe illness with COVID19. If you are uncertain about your risk status, please consult your doctor and also the CDC Guidelines at the link below.
  • Click here to read the CDC Guidelines for those at higher risk: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.htm.

BEFORE COMING TO MASS

• Please wash your hands for twenty seconds using soap and water.
• Before entering the Church, please put on a face mask or cloth covering. Exceptions to this are “children younger than two years old, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, and anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance” (CDC Guidelines).
• Please do not come to Mass if you are sick or are at higher risk for severe illness with COVID19 (see above).

ENTERING THE CHURCH

• Only the front, main entrance doors at the vestibule will be open to enter.
• Hand sanitizers will be available at the Church entrances. Please use the hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the Church. 

SEATING

• When taking your seat, please honor all posted signs about where you may sit. Every third pew will be open to ensure proper social distancing. 
• Members of the same household may sit together as normal. Please place six feet between your household and members of a different household. 

DURING MASS

• There will be no collection taken up during the Offertory. Baskets will be available at the exits of the church for your weekly offering.
• There will be no Sign of Peace during Mass during the Yellow Phase. 
• The Precious Blood will not be distributed during Mass during the Yellow Phase. 
• There should be no holding of hands during The Lord's Prayer (Our Father).

RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

• Those who wish to receive Holy Communion will be directed to approach the Priest or Extraordinary Minister, one row at a time. 
• Please maintain social distancing in the Communion line. Please keep several pews between yourself and the person in front of you while in line and when returning to your pew.
• During the Yellow Phase, the faithful are asked to receive Holy Communion in the hand.
• Please remove your mask before receiving Holy Communion. 

EXITING THE CHURCH

• At the conclusion of Mass, please exit the church and proceed directly to your car. Please do not congregate for any reason. 
• Please leave your mask on until you exit the church. 

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Saint Monica will follow the guidelines from the CDC for sanitation as we resume public Masses.  

• To view the CDC guidelines, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/faith-based.html
• The Church will be cleaned and sanitized after every Mass.