COVID-19 Response

Public Mass Reopening

I rejoiced when I heard them say, Let us go the house of the Lord.

As of June 13-14, Bishop O’Connell has granted permission to begin the reopening of public Masses and the celebration of the sacraments. However, there is no obligation to attend Mass in the Diocese of Trenton until at least September.

As we open in an orderly manner and follow new protocols our Mass Schedule will change. Beginning on the weekend of June 13-14, Masses will be celebrated on Sunday at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Daily Mass will be celebrated at 8:00 am Monday through Saturday. This is the first phase of reopening which will have many new protocols that all parishioners must follow to attend Mass. These procedures will be reevaluated and possibly modified. Please read through the details below. Thank you for your patience and compliance.

Church Capacity

For now, Weekend Masses will be limited to 30% capacity and daily Masses to 100 people according to diocesan guidelines. We will continue to live stream our Sunday Masses.

Before You Arrive

• If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, has a fever, or has recently been in contact with someone who may be sick with any symptoms that might be COVID related, do not come to Mass.
• Before you leave home, wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.
• Face coverings (masks covering nose and mouth) are required for all persons on our campus and during Mass.
• The Spiritual Center Auditorium rest rooms are closed except for emergencies. The church restroom will be unavailable.
• Bring your own hand sanitizer to use before receiving Holy Communion.

Mass Arrival Procedures

• Masks for all should be worn as soon as you exit your vehicle.
• Entrance will only be through the main doors of the church.
• Although we have our “favorite place in church” we invite you to be seated by filling the open pews from front to back. Alternating pews will be closed and marked by red tape. You may be sharing a pew with another household, but social distance is required between the households.

Mass Procedures

• Please keep your face mask on for the duration of Mass.
• There is to be no physical contact between households at the Sign of Peace or hand holding during the Lord’s Prayer.

Communion Procedures

• Bishop O’Connell strongly recommends that communion not be offered on the tongue for the time being for the safety and health of both the ministers distributing and others receiving.
• Use of personal hand sanitizer before communion is strongly encouraged.
• Communion will be distributed at the conclusion of Mass.
• You are encouraged to exit the church immediately following the reception of communion

Mass Departure Procedures

• Please do not congregate outside the church on parish ground or in the parking lot but head directly to your vehicle and depart enabling the next Mass to start on time.

You are reminded to follow CDC recommendations regarding your own health. If you fall into an “at risk” category, please stay home and join us by live stream. We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. I thank you for your kind patience and your prayerful support. The Church will be open for private prayer Monday through Friday following daily Mass until 12:00 pm.

Links

• Diocese of Trenton Response and Bishop O’Connell Directives
• Centers for Disease Control
• New Jersey Health Department