As you likely know, Archbishop Hebda and Governor Walz have reached an agreement allowing us to begin public Masses next week at a capacity of 25%. (You may read the official letter from Archbishop Hebda or watch his video announcement online). This means a maximum of 135 persons at St. Michael’s and 85 people at St. Mary’s. Given the time needed to train volunteers and prepare our facilities, we will begin these public Masses on Thursday, May 28.
The Archbishop has provided a seven-page protocol that must be followed to minimize risk as we reopen our churches. I encourage you to read that entire document, which is attached.
Some of the key takeaways include requirements of limiting attendees, spacing congregants, and sanitizing after each Mass. You are also strongly encouraged to wear face masks while entering, exiting, and at our churches.
If you are ill, you are asked to remain at home. If you are 65 and over, the Archbishop strongly encourages you to continue participating in liturgies from home at this time.
Another unusual change is that Holy Communion will be distributed after Mass, encouraging communicants to leave the church space immediately after receiving. I realize this may be difficult for many of you, but during these unprecedented times, he strongly encourages us to receive Holy Communion on the hand.
Please stay connected to Flocknote and our website for more information about returning to public Mass. Many of these changes will be challenging, but please join me in prayer and gratitude as we embrace this return to Holy Mass.
In Christ,
Father Izen