UPDATE: Regarding Church Capacity

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June 17, 2020

UPDATES REGARDING CHURCH CAPACITY

Beginning Saturday, June 20, all Chaldean parishes in Michigan are permitted to have up to 50% capacity (as much as proper social distancing will permit) under the following conditions:

1. Churches are not to exceed 50% of total capacity.
   1. Please note that logistically, with proper social distancing in place, it is unlikely that the capacity will reach 50%.
2. Face-coverings/masks are still to be worn by the faithful in and around the church (except for those under 2 years old).
3. Cleaning and sanitizing of church facilities using proper techniques before or after Masses.
4. Social distancing (at least six feet apart) must be practiced in the church.
   1. Those living in the same household are encouraged sit together without distancing (to maximize capacity).
5. An additional location on the church property (e.g. social hall, parking lot) may be used as an “overflow” for additional people desiring to attend public Mass.
6. All the faithful are still dispensed from their Sunday obligation to attend Mass until further notice.
   1. Those who are at higher risk from COVID-19 should stay at home, especially the elderly or individuals with illnesses.
   2. Young children are also encouraged to stay home to reduce the risk of spreading.
7. Funeral services will also expand to 50% capacity while observing the guidelines above.
   1. Funerals services are now permitted to have a Mass, only if the parish is able to accommodate.
      1. Please confirm the details with the pastors of each parish before scheduling funerals.
8. Sacraments of Marriage and Baptism will also expand to 50% capacity while observing the guidelines above.

For more details, view our Guidelines on Sacraments and Pastoral Care.