COVID MASS PRECAUTIONS & MASK REQUIREMENTS
As our community and our world continues the process of fully reopening, further changes are being made to our face mask policy. Beginning July 10, 2021, each Mass will include a designated section of pews for those who are most vulnerable or who would like to be seated in a masked area (see picture below). For all other attendees, face masks will be optional at all Masses. We thank you for your understanding, as well as your charity towards others during this time. Let us continue to pray together for the most vulnerable among us, as well as those who serve on the front lines.
AN UPDATE ON THE OBLIGATION TO ATTEND SUNDAY MASS
Effective June 11, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass is hereby lifted throughout the state of Indiana. Except for the unique situations as described below, those who are otherwise healthy are obliged to return to Sunday Mass by the weekend of June 12-13, 2021:
- Those who are seriously ill, exhibit flu-like symptoms and/or may have a contagious disease (including quarantine due to exposure).
- Those who are unable to attend Mass through no fault of their own (e.g. transportation issue).
- Those who are homebound and/or incapacitated due to age, infirmity and/or medical restrictions.
- Those who have compromised health conditions and/or at high risk of contracting the virus.
- Those who are caretakers of person who are sick or of persons at high-risk of serious illness if they contract Covid virus.
Click below to read Bishop Doherty's full statement, including a list of those exempted from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
Please note that the following precautions remain in place for all Masses:
- We have made adjustments to our ventilation to maximize the use of fresh outside air. Every other pew is closed to enable distancing between families.
- Every other pew is closed to allow for more distancing.
- Face masks are required for all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion while distributing the Eucharist, regardless of the Mass time.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is available to visitors as you enter the church and in the Communion line. Face masks are also available to those who do not have their own.
- To eliminate contact between households, we have discontinued the use of holy water fonts. No touch holy water fonts are available upon entering and exiting the church.