The “New Normal” … for Now
As we prepare to reopen our parish in phases, a warm welcome home to you our parish family. These pandemic days are strange and uncertain. Anxiety remains a constant friend and we find ourselves with more questions than answers. On Monday,
May 25th we will resume public celebration of Mass at St. Mary of the Falls. Typically, there is no daily Mass on Monday. In Honor of Memorial Day, we will celebrate Mass at 9 AM. The weekend of May 30th and 31st we will resume public celebration of Sunday Mass with the Solemnity of Pentecost. That celebration will look different from what we are familiar with for Mass. I want to offer you some guidelines of what to expect (and what we expect) during this first phase of reopening. These guidelines have been given us by the Diocese of Cleveland and are rooted in the expectations clarified by the Governor of Ohio and the CDC.
May 25th we will resume public celebration of Mass at St. Mary of the Falls. Typically, there is no daily Mass on Monday. In Honor of Memorial Day, we will celebrate Mass at 9 AM. The weekend of May 30th and 31st we will resume public celebration of Sunday Mass with the Solemnity of Pentecost. That celebration will look different from what we are familiar with for Mass. I want to offer you some guidelines of what to expect (and what we expect) during this first phase of reopening. These guidelines have been given us by the Diocese of Cleveland and are rooted in the expectations clarified by the Governor of Ohio and the CDC.
Masks will be required. If you do not have a mask, you will not be allowed in the building.
Please pay attention to the various signs throughout the Church. They will indicate procedures for social distancing and safety.
There will be an occupancy limit. Due to this limit the parking lot doors will be the only accessible entrance. All our doors will be utilized for exits only. Only pass through the propped open doors. Ushers will prop open the doors for your exit.
When our 50% occupancy is reached, we cannot allow anyone else into the building.
For those of you who are at risk due to age or health and for those of you who are ill, please remain home currently. We look forward to welcoming you back to our public celebration in a subsequent phase of reopening when conditions are safer for you.
The Entrance Procession, Offertory Procession, Sign of Peace, and Recessional will be omitted during this first phase.
The distribution of Communion will be limited to one species. We ask that you receive the Blessed Sacrament on your hands. For those who choose to receive Communion on the tongue, please know that you are expected to join the end of the Communion Procession so that the priest or deacon has time to sanitize his hands immediately following your reception of Communion.
As you are the next communicant in the Communion line, you are to lower your mask and respond to “The Body of Christ” with your “Amen!” Receive Communion and as you are walking back to your pew, your mask should be raised in place. Those parents with children who have received their first Holy Communion should be attentive to their needs at this time. Consider airline etiquette – take care of your mask before helping with your children.
During this first phase, singing will be limited to the Cantor. We invite you to sing in your hearts during the hymns. Many of our responses will be spoken during this period.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will continue to be by appointment only.
