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St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church
Welcome Back!!
Welcome back to weekend Masses! As we begin to regather, we know some may not be ready to return to Mass in person. That’s ok! Please know that Bishop Joensen continues to suspend the Sunday Mass obligation for all Catholics in our diocese. We will continue to livestream one Mass on the weekends if you would prefer to watch from your home. For those of you who would like to attend Mass in person, read on for safety precautions St. Mary’s is taking as we gather for Mass.Weekend Masses will be held in the church. Weekend Mass times are Saturday, 5:00pm and Sunday, 9:00am and 11:00am. Seating will be limited and will be filled on a first-come basis. Reconciliation is 3:30-4:30 on Saturday.
Seating- Seating will be in every other pew.
- All family units will be seated together 6 feet apart from the next parishioner.
- All will be seated by the ushers so you may not get to choose your favorite spot.
- You may be asked to wait outside while we seat people to maintain the 6 feet physical distancing requirements.
- Please be patient as we get used to this new seating arrangement.
- After Mass, rows will be dismissed by the ushers so again, we can maintain physical distancing. As you are dismissed we asked that you exit the church and return to your cars without congregating in the parking lot so we can continue to maintain a safe distance from one another for the safety of all.
Masks
In keeping with Diocesan guidelines, the faithful aged 5 and above are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at Church and during the Mass, except for the brief moment of receiving Holy Communion. All lay ministers are required to wear masks. Please consider wearing a mask an act of charity toward others attending Mass.
Holy Water
Holy Water fonts will be empty.
Singing
Congregational singing will be at a minimum and will continue to be what has been during our livestream Masses. An opening and closing song along with the Mass parts will be led by a cantor and a pianist. You are welcome to join in singing as you are comfortable.
Missalettes
All missalettes have been removed from the Church. Worship aids are available through weekly email blasts and can be printed at home or viewed on your phone.
Offertory
There will be no offertory procession. Gifts will be prepared at the altar. The collection basket will not be passed among the faithful. We ask you to place your offerings in the marked boxes as you enter or exit the church.
Sign of Peace
The sign of peace is currently suspended.
Communion
The faithful will not approach the altar for communion. Father John, Deacon Tom and the Extraordinary Ministers of Communion will distribute communion from the empty pew directly in front of you. Communion Ministers will wear masks. You are asked to leave your mask on until you receive the Eucharist in your hand and the communion minister has passed. Then, remove your mask briefly to consume the Eucharist and replace your mask. There will be no distribution of the Precious Blood. You are strongly encouraged to receive Eucharist in the hand as opposed to on the tongue.
Increased cleaning and sanitation
All pews and high touch surfaces will be sanitized after each Mass.
Should I come to Mass?
If you are wondering if you should come to Mass in person, please know we understand that participating in Mass during the pandemic is a health risk for any individual. We are taking precautions, but cannot guarantee that you may not be exposed to a virus or bacteria, despite our best efforts. Here are few additional questions to consider:- Will attending Mass create fear and anxiety for me?
- Am I elderly and therefore in a group more vulnerable to COVID-19?
- Does my health make me more vulnerable to becoming ill from the virus?
- Do I live with someone who would be considered a vulnerable person?
- Have I been exposed to someone with COVID-19?
- Am I experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms?
If your answer to any of these questions is “yes” we urge you to remain at home.
We look forward to seeing all of you who decide to attend Mass in person and we look forward to continue praying with those of you who feel more comfortable watching Mass from home. Please know that whatever you choose, God’s infinite mercy and love remain close and available to us all.
ST. MARY OF NAZARETH CATHOLIC CHURCH
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