Pastors may begin public celebration of Mass on May 19th

Bishop John, after much prayer and counsel from local U.P. doctors and health experts, has issued guildelines for resuming public celebrations of Mass beginning Tuesday, May 19th.

The timetable for resuming public Masses will be at the discretion of each local pastor.  "I ask your patience because some of the parishes in the diocese will not have everything in place to begin offering public Masses by May 19th.  Moreover, a priest may refrain from the public celebration of the sacraments if he is at greater risk. Check with your local parish to learn when public Masses will resume there," writes Bishop John. 

Because those with greater risk are still advised to stay home, Bishop John has indefinitely extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.  Those who come are to sit in every other pew, and sit at least six feet apart from each other.  Those who live in the same household may sit closer together.

He notes, "Depending on the size of the church and the number of parishioners, it's possible that not all parishioners will be able to attend Mass every Saturday evening or Sunday.  Keep in contact with your local parish for their provisions."

If the parish grounds are large enough and the weather cooperates, Bishop John is permitting Mass to be celebrated outside in order to increase the number of people who can be present.

The following protocols remain in place for those who come for Mass in the church:

• Please wear a face mask out of concern for each other.  Priests will wear a mask when distributing Communion
• If possible, please use the restroom at your home and not at the church, though the restrooms at the church will be open.
• If possible, bring hand sanitizer with you and your own cleansing wipes to wipe down the area where you sit.  Avoid touching your face until you have washed your hands.
• Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, or  any other symptoms of illness.
• Stay at home if you have been exposed to a case of COVID‐19 or traveled until you have completed your 14‐day quarantine.
• If you have tested positive, stay at home until cleared by your doctor.
• It is recommended that persons age 65 and older and those at  risk due to other health conditions stay at home. If possible,  parishes are encouraged to set aside certain Masses and designated times for private prayer for people who are at greater risk and who do not have symptoms.
• It is recommended that pre‐school age children remain at home.

Bishop John also issued the followign procedures for the distribution of Holy Communion:

• Communion will be distributed under the form of the Sacred Body only.
• You are strongly encouraged to receive Communion in the hand
• Follow the directions at the parish and keep six feet from other people in line.

Also, Bishop John notes that choirs should be omitted for the time being, and the music led by a musician and cantor.  Hymnals and other prayer cards will be removed from the pews, but disposable worship aids may be printed if copyright permission is obtained.

Moreover, Holy Water will be removed from the fonts at the church entrances, but people may bring water in their own containers for a priest or deacon to bless. 

Bishop John also makes provisions that baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals may be celebrated in the church with the same limitations on attendance and social distancing.  

Finally, Bishop John notes that gatherings such as lunches, post-Mass coffee, and other socials remain suspended for the moment.

"Social distance does not mean we distance our hearts from one another.  When we assemble, remember those around you and greet each other warmly.  Let us be united in Christ and in heart as one People of God," Bishop John concludes.

To read Bishop John's letter in its entirety, visit dioceseofmarquette.org/response.