Face Mask Requirement Changes

Face Masks Required During Entire Mass Starting Sept. 5

Please be advised, effective this Saturday, September 5, face masks will be required for the entire duration of Mass at Ss. Peter & Paul Parish.  In an abundance of caution particular to our region, we want to ensure that our parishioners and guests are safe from unexpected coughing, sneezing, etc. that may project farther than the six-foot distance between us.  Thank you for your cooperation.  Let us continue to ardently pray for an end to this pandemic and commit to safe practices out of loving concern for those around us.

 

   REOPENING PUBLIC MASS GUIDELINES

Saturday Mass   4 PM  Doors Open at 3:30 PM

(also live-streamed and on website Sunday)

Sunday Mass   10:30 AM   Doors Open at 10 AM

 

Dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation remains in effect and if you feel uncomfortable coming to church, there are many Masses you can “attend” on the internet

Before You Arrive

These guidelines are to help ensure that we maintain a safe, healthy environment for our clergy, ministers, parishioners and guests.  This is all of our responsibility

  • There will be a live streamed Facebook walk through of the church at 1 pm Friday which will then be posted to give you an idea of what to expect
  • Confessions will be from 3-3:30 pm Someone will let you in the locked Johnson Street door for confession only. Mass attendees will be directed to enter through the Gathering Space doors
  • Check your temperature and if you have one, please do not come to church. Stay home if you are feeling symptomatic or are at high risk because of age or illness
  • Do not bring anything to church you are not able to sanitize properly
  • Wear a mask when entering and exiting church and during the Communion procession. After you are seated safely in church, the mask is optional
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early to assist with the flow of seating

When You Arrive

  • For 4 PM Mass, enter the main south parking lot from Morrison only to avoid traffic from the demonstration on Vandalia
  • Gathering Space doors will open 30 minutes before Mass
  • Enter only through the Gathering Space doors. All other doors will be locked
  • Be patient with greeters/ushers who will help you and your family find safe seating
  • Sanitize your hands before entering
  • Kneelers will be in up position. Lower them and leave them lowered when you depart
  • The choir loft, elevator and church basement will be closed
  • Always observe social distancing of six feet
  • Your family may remain together
  • All hymnals and worship books have been removed from the pews
  • Paper bulletins are not available. (See your emailed bulletin or view on our website)
  • Please refrain from close discussion or gathering

During Mass

  • Announcements will be made before and during Mass with detailed instructions
  • Do not change seats during the service
  • The congregation is asked not to sing as that is one of the best ways to spread the virus
  • No physical sign of peace will be exchanged during the Mass
  • Follow instructions for the Communion procession. Greeters/ushers will be able to assist you. You may remain in the pew if you feel more comfortable and make a Spiritual Communion or receive it after Mass outside
  • Please maintain social distancing guidelines throughout Mass
  • If you have to leave the worship space, please re-sanitize your hands upon your return
  • We recommend minimal use of restrooms, especially by children. Please sanitize before returning to your pe

After Mass

  • Please take all of your belongings with you as you depart
  • You will be dismissed by pew. Please follow the instructions of the greeters/ushers
  • Use only the designated church doors
  • Do not congregate outside the church doors

Please call Camille at 618-407-5067 with any questions

 While parish staff and volunteers will attempt to take appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities, parishioners and guests should understand that they assume the risk of contracting COVID-19 anytime they enter a public place since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection