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May 15, 2021
UPDATES REGARDING MASSES
The following guidelines are being implemented regarding Holy Mass:
- Masks are now optional and no longer mandatory — based on new Michigan state orders and guidance issued by the CDC (View CDC Guidelines).
- Communion: The distribution of Holy Communion will return to its proper time (before the final blessing) and should still be received by hand.
- Holy water will be re-instated in all churches (at the discretion of each Pastor).
- Collection baskets are allowed to pass through pews (at the discretion of each Pastor).
- Mass Books are allowed again and may be stored in church pew shelfs.
- Church Halls may reopen for funeral services, “tazia,” etc. They are still not to be used for social gatherings. Official parish ministries is the only exception.
- Illinois parishes have been given special permission, per the discretion of the Pastor, to allow funerals.
- Disinfecting Churches: Disinfecting churches and its regularity is up to the discretion of each Pastor.
As a reminder, the faithful still do not have an obligation to attend Mass in the following circumstances:
- You are sick or your health would be compromised if you were to get sick.
- You have flu-like symptoms.
- You have reason to think you might be asymptomatic of an illness (e.g., you were in recent contact with someone who tested positive for COVID).
- You care for the sick or homebound.
- You are pregnant.
- You are 65 years of age or older (per the CDC’s recommendation of high-risk individuals).
- You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (for example, no Mass is offered or your church was at capacity).
- If you have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.