Public Mass

Resumption of Public Masses Guidelines
 
BSC Parishioners – I pray this update finds you all safe and well. I am looking forward to resuming public Masses and seeing you as soon as you are comfortable returning.  We are taking these precautions especially for our at-risk parishioners.  I ask anyone who feels uncomfortable regarding risk to stay home for now.  Thank you for following these rules to protect our vulnerable parishioners.

1. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass is still in place in our Diocese, so if you feel vulnerable health wise, please wait until you are comfortable.

2. Masses are still live-streamed: 8:30am Daily; Saturday 5pm Vigil; and Sunday 8am.  If you are in an at-risk group, or not comfortable attending public Mass, please continue to celebrate the Mass at home via livestream – link at the top of the webpage: bsctlh.com

3. Beginning 5:00pm Saturday, May 9 we will resume our regular public Masses.  The schedule has not changed: Saturday Vigil 5:00pm; Sunday 8:00am, 10:30am, 12:15pm, 5:00pm and 7:00pm; and Daily Masses at 8:30am and 5:30pm.

4. You must wear a mask. Please wash your hands before coming and plan to arrive 15 minutes early.  A mask is required for ages 2 and up.  If you have toddlers, it may be best to leave them at home, but anyone 2 and older needs to be masked.  The Nursery is closed.  You are encouraged to bring your own hand sanitizer to use before Communion.

5. Church Capacity – we will be using 25% of our regular capacity.  Families or those attending alone must maintain 6 to 8 feet distance between households.  You may be sharing a large pew with another family. The Church will also be locked (on the outside) at the Mass start time or if the church has reached capacity. (Of course we are referring to the entrance/exterior doors only.  Everyone will be able to leave at anytime.)" If late, we ask that you remain flexible and come back for a later Mass.  Coming early is a good idea.

6. When You Arrive – Masks must be worn as soon as you leave your car.  Maintain safe distance from others while entering church.  Please use the hand sanitizer located at the stations provided before entering the church. 

7. While Attending Mass – Please keep your face mask on for the duration of Mass.  Hymnals and Missals have been removed to reduce sharing of germs.  You can place your offertory contribution, before or after Mass or after Communion, in one of the baskets located in the back of the church or aisles.  If you need to leave the building during Mass, you will not be able to re-enter the church from the outside.

8. While Receiving Holy Communion – We encourage you to use personal hand sanitizer before Communion.  The Eucharist should be received in the hand.  The Precious Blood will not be offered.  There will be two lines in the main aisle only.  Masks should be worn in the Communion line and distance from others maintained.  After the priest offers the Eucharist, please (1) step to the side, (2) remove your mask with one hand, (3) consume the Eucharist, and (4) re-mask as you return to your pew.

9. Once Mass Concludes – After the final blessing is given, proceed from Church maintaining a safe distance from others.  Please do not congregate in the vestibule, but go to your car so that others coming early will have a spot for the next Mass.  Please wear your mask until you reach your car.

10.  Keeping the Church Sanitized – Volunteers will be asked to stay after each Mass to assist sanitizing the church.  Please keep your mask on.  Gloves and supplies will be available.  I ask that you stay and help with the cleaning process if you are able.  Instructions will be given to volunteers.

If you have any questions, please contact the parish office.  I keep each of you in my prayers and I am looking forward to being together again.  Remember the dispensation still applies, so you should not attend if you feel vulnerable.
 
Father Pete Zalewski
Pastor, Blessed Sacrament