As Fr. Shawn mentioned in his homily last weekend, the United States Bishops have asked that we be notified of certain issues involving the CORONAVIRUS and the vigilance necessary as our people come together for worship. Please be attentive to the following:

1. The fundamental issue of hygiene:
a. Washing of hands and use of anti-bacterial solutions. It is important for us all to wash our hands throughout the day and especially when out in public. The parish has provided hand sanitizers at each entryway of the church and also in the bathroom. Hand sanitizers for the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are to be kept and used in the sacristy prior to distributing Holy Communion. The sanitizers are NOT to be kept or used in the sanctuary. Please make note of this change.
b. If you are sick or experiencing symptoms of sickness, you are not obliged to attend Mass and, in fact, should not attend out of charity.

2. Precautionary measures that are to be applied:
a. The Sign of Peace will be suspended for all Masses as well as contact during greetings with the celebrant at the end of Mass.
b. Suspending the distribution of Holy Communion via the chalice. This had already been put into practice at all Masses at St. Mary’s.

These precautionary measures are not imposed by the Bishops’ Conference but are offered in making us all aware of the risk of infection and the prudence of suspending those actions that may put you or others at risk.