Summary of Instructions from Syracuse Diocese 5/22/20

PARISHIONERS
➢ In order to permit the celebration of Mass and the sacraments in a dignified, safe, and healthy manner, each parishioner must do the following:
❖ Seek information from his/her parish regarding the Mass schedule, registration for Mass, and policies/ procedures for attending Mass
❖ Remain home if sick, symptomatic or vulnerable (i.e. 65 and older with an underlying health condition or immune deficiency)
❖ Wear a face mask in church (required) and, if possible, bring personal hand sanitizer
❖ Observe the commands on the posted signage and follow the directives of the ushers
❖ Acknowledge that seating will be different from the “usual” pew
❖ Be aware that during this period, there will be:
• No holy water in fonts
• No choirs
• No offertory procession
• No passing of the collection basket; baskets will be made available for offerings
• No physical exchange of the sign of peace
• No hymnals or missalettes
• No congregating in the church: in the narthex, at the doors, in parking lots, etc.
❖ Prepare for the reception of Holy Communion:
• Masks will be worn by all: clergy, ministers, and the faithful
• Direction will be provided for those receiving
• The Precious Blood will not be offered
• Tongs may be used
• Reception will involve: receiving the Body of Christ in the hand, stepping aside, removing the mask, consuming the Eucharist, returning the mask
• Reception on the tongue is recommended against by the CDC, WHO, and a blue-ribbon panel of Catholic doctors; consequently, it may only take place at the end of the Communion line
• At outdoor Masses, follow the direction of the attendants: remaining in vehicles until the reception of Holy Communion and then returning to vehicles for the dismissal
The Instructions for the Celebration of the Sacraments When Gatherings Begin and this Summary are helpful tools for creating safe and healthy environments for the celebration of Mass and the sacraments. Since the ability to gather publicly is a gradual process, the Instructions and Summary may need to be altered to accommodate each new phase of re-opening. Communication of regular updates is, therefore, key to the observance of these necessary safety procedures.