Date:  May 27, 2020

Subject:  Diocese of Sacramento Guidelines for Resuming Public Masses

Dear Parishioners:

Bishop Soto has issued guidelines that are to be followed throughout the diocese once we are permitted to celebrate Mass in person.  An opening date has not been determined. These guidelines are consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and state and local authorities.  I have been working with the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) to implement the guidelines listed here. The guidelines are intended to protect ALL faithful while we celebrate the Eucharist, adults as well as children. Everyone is asked to follow them.

Obligation to Attend Mass

1. The dispensation for all people from the obligation to attend Mass is still in effect.
2. Parishioners who are aged 65+, and those with comprised health conditions, and those with respiratory symptoms are asked to “shelter-in-place” at home.  Please keep in mind that the largest percentage of our parishioners are aged 65+, so we have an unusually high, at-risk population at St. Joseph Church.

Social Distancing Requirements & Measures

1. Mass Attendance
   1. Mass attendance will require reservations so that we are able to accommodate no more than 55 people, including the celebrant and cantor, at each of the four weekend Masses. Additional information will be provided.
   2. We will continue to livestream the 10 A.M. Sunday Mass even when we reopen.
   3. You may choose to attend a weekday Mass rather than one of the Sunday Masses.
2. Social Distancing

1. Enter the church from any of the three doors while maintaining a 6’ distance from others.
2. Respect the 6’ zones indicated by yellow tape that has been placed in the aisles at 6’ intervals.
3. Seating during Mass

• Maintain social distancing of 6’ from others, unless family members, in the pews marked with yellow tape. Other rows are to remain empty for social distancing. Families sitting together must maintain social distancing from others.
• Every other pew in the main body of the church is marked with yellow tape, and seating areas in the marked pews are also marked with yellow tape.
• Handicapped pews are limited to two per pew, one on each end, as marked.
   

3. Reception of Holy Communion in Vehicle

1. Liturgy of the Word
   1. There will be one priest and one cantor or musician.
   2. There will be no choirs for now.
2. Preparation of the Gifts & Offertory

1. The ushers will continue our usual method of collection with the baskets.  You can also mail in your donations or put the envelopes in the mail slot in the rectory door.
2. Gifts and bread and wine will already be on the altar.

3. Distribution of Holy Communion
   1. Ushers will release one pew at a time. Please remain in your pew until then.      
   2. When receiving Holy Communion, we encourage you at accept the consecrated host in your hand. If receiving on the tongue, please wait until all other parishioners have received the consecrated host before approaching.
   3. Only the priest is allowed to receive the Blood of Christ.
4. Recessional

1. Follow the direction of our ushers when they release one row at a time and direct you to the designated exit for your seating area. Maintain social distancing as you exit.                 
2. Maintain social distancing after you leave the church and avoid unnecessary socializing after Mass.

 
Disinfection, Sanitation, and Other Infection Control Measures

1. Before you leave home to come to Mass:
   1. Check your temperature. If you have one, stay home.
   2. Bring your mask (all adults & children over the age of 2)
   3. Bring hand sanitizer for personal use. See below.
   4. Bring gloves (we encourage you to wear them while in church). Remove them before receiving Holy Communion.
2. Personal protective measures are necessary to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
   1. Masks are required when entering, while in, and when exiting the church. Please remove your mask just prior to receiving Holy Communion. Masks are for your protection as well as the protection of others.
   2. Hand sanitizer will be provided at each entrance for your use before and after Mass.  For use during Mass, we ask that you bring our own hand sanitizer for personal use. 
3. Facility Disinfection, Sanitation & Cleaning – Please avoid touching any unnecessary surfaces whenever possible.
   1. The backs and sides of pews, door handles, railings, and other common areas, including the restrooms, will be disinfected/sanitized after each Mass using a spray disinfectant.
   2. Measures will be taken to keep the altar, lectern, cantor stand, etc, disinfected.
   3. The church is thoroughly cleaned every Friday morning. This will resume when we are allowed to re-open
       
4. Other Measures
   1. All holy water fonts and the baptismal font will remain empty.
   2. Fans will be used as necessary to keep the air circulating.
   3. All missalettes, hymnals, and other paper materials have been removed from the church and vestibule. Bulletins will be available on our website only.
   4. If possible, lower and raise the kneelers with your foot and not your hand.
   5. The only people allowed on the altar are the priest and cantor or musician.
   6. Church doors will be locked once Mass begins.  Please be on time. No one will be allowed in after Mass begins.

I want to personally thank each of you for your understanding, cooperation, and patience as we work together to keep everyone safe.

Sincerely,
 
Fr. Mervin Concepcion
Pastor