Dear MHC Family,

As you may know, after prayerful and careful consideration of the guidelines and recommendations put forth by local government and health officials, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that the public celebration of Daily Mass will resume in the Diocese of St. Petersburg starting on Monday, May 11, 2020. Initially, parishes are permitted to celebrate Daily Mass only. A date has not yet been determined to resume Sunday Masses with a congregation present. Some parishes in the Diocese might not be ready to resume daily Mass on May 11 because of their unique circumstances. The faithful are asked to contact their local parishes for schedules and details. Regarding Sunday Mass, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still in effect and will be until further notice. The bishop hopes that by Pentecost, May 31st, our community can once again unite for public Sunday worship.

Bishop Parkes is urging those who are ill, elderly or have underlying health conditions to stay home and continue to pray with the Mass online or on TV. Extra precautions will be in place to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in diocesan churches. Social distancing will be required for those who are not from the same household. Churches will not exceed 25% maximum capacity. There will be no shared hymnals or missalettes, no collection baskets passed around and no physical contact, such as hand holding or handshaking. Also, parishioners are encouraged to wear face masks and use hand hygiene. “If everyone does their part, we can be joyfully present, even as we adjust to these changes. For this moment in history, this is what we are called to do, as we honor each life given to us by God and show charity for the well-being of our neighbors,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes. “Patience and prayers are needed as we navigate this transition back to public worship. These are certainly extraordinary times and it is with extraordinary grace and love that we will move forward together, united in Christ,” added Bishop Parkes.

Your patience during these times is necessary to avoid the spread of COVID19 and to keep all members of our parish community safe. We ask you to keep in mind that guidelines are in place for everyone’s protection. Consider your obedience and willingness to follow these guidelines, even if you feel differently, as an act of charity towards others in our faith community.

Mass Protocols with the Congregation Present

These guidelines follow recommendations from health and government officials and are being provided to allow parishes within the Diocese of St. Petersburg to open gradually, as circumstances suggest, from May 11, 2020 onward.

The resumption of Sunday Masses is anticipated at a later date. In the meantime, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass, granted by Bishop Parkes on March 13, 2020, remains in effect.

1. General Provisions

Persons at greater risk that are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass. The same goes for those who are feeling sick or experiencing respiratory symptoms as well as those who may be fearful of gathering in large groups too soon.
Parishes currently live streaming Masses for those who are at risk or sick should continue doing so.
Hand sanitizers will be placed near the entrance to the church. Those entering and exiting the building are to perform hand hygiene.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces in the church will be done.
Face coverings are highly recommended.
Parishioners should bring their own hand sanitizer and face coverings.
All hymnals and missalettes are removed from the church for the time being.

2. Limiting the Size of the Congregation & Social Distancing (25% of capacity)

Church Capacity:
The Church will be allowed 25% of capacity.
Entrance to the Church will be directed by a Church Official and they will ‘direct traffic’.
If all available spaces are filled, additional people will not be admitted to the church building.

Social Distancing:
The faithful are to maintain a 6-foot distance from each other at all times while on church property (including on the steps outside, in parking lot, and hallway areas).
Families/Households: Members of a single household do not need to practice social distancing and may sit together.

Delineating Areas:
Seating within the worship space will be limited to every other pew.
In areas where the faithful would normally stand (e.g. to receive Communion), tape will be used on the floor to indicate proper spacing between persons.
Restrooms: A limit to the number of people who may enter at the same time will be established and tape placed on the floor to indicate where people should stand if waiting.

3. Specific Provisions for the Parts of Mass

Offertory:
Collection baskets will not be passed from person-to-person.
Online giving is highly encouraged and recommended during this time.
The Offertory Procession (bringing up the gifts) will be omitted.

The Communion Rite:
The faithful should not hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer.
The invitation to exchange a Sign of Peace will be omitted.
The faithful are to be reminded to maintain the 6-foot physical distance while in the Communion line.
The faithful should remove face coverings before receiving Holy Communion and then use hand sanitizer before approaching Holy Communion.
The Priest, deacon or EMHC should strongly consider wearing a mask for the distribution of Holy Communion.
It is strongly recommended the faithful receive Holy Communion in the hand.
The Precious Blood is not to be distributed to the faithful.
At the conclusion of the distribution of Holy Communion, the priest (and other ministers) return the remaining hosts to the altar/tabernacle and then perform hand hygiene (e.g. hand sanitizer).
All Communion vessels are to be thoroughly cleaned after Mass with hot, soapy water after being purified according to the rubrics.

The Concluding Rite:
The Mass concludes as normal.
To provide an orderly exit with proper social distancing, directions will be given by a Church Official.
(e.g. pew-by-pew).

Easter Flowers Remembrance 2020