COVID-19 Updates

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS/November 22, 2021

  • All worshippers, age 2 and older and regardless of vaccination status are encouraged to wear face-coverings and to practice social distancing to protect themselves and others in churches. Because a parish community - and our society - requires mutual trust and a commitment to the common good, each individual is asked to make the best decisions for him/herself as well as for others. Parishes do not have the responsibility to verify who is and who is not vaccinated.
  • All priests, deacons, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) may continue to or reinstate the wearing of a face coverings during the distribution of Holy Communion.
  • Please remember that the distribution of the Precious Blood is still prohibited at this time.
  • Make sure hand sanitizers remain and are available at each entrance to ALL places where parishioners gather.
  • Continue to reduce the number of "touching-points" as people enter by propping open doors or having a parish staff member and/or Minister of Hospitality open doors.
  • Because of the minimal contagion on the surfaces of furniture and other hard surfaces, disinfecting between the celebrations of Mass may no longer be necessary. However, those who wish to do so may continue or reinstate this practice.
  • Each parish may choose to provide a portion of the church - with a size to be determined by the pastor - where social distancing and face-coverings are consistently maintained.
  • Any social celebrations and/or activities that involve food and beverages (e.g. coffee and doughnuts, funeral luncheons, group meals, youth ministry events, etc.) should follow any and all local health department guidance (given the fact that the Diocese of Saginaw covers 11 counties).
  • As previously published, parishes are reminded to - given the changing seasons and Michigan weather conditions - ensure all heating systems are operating properly and efficiently.
  • Please remember to contact your local county health department on all public health and safety matters.


Additional Links:

 

Click on the link below to view a printable version of the health and safety considerations listed above: