All posts by Cindy Nestle

PARISHIONER GUIDELINES FOR RETURNING TO PUBLIC MASSES

Announcements
The Diocese of Grand Rapids announced the date for resuming
public Masses and all other liturgical and devotional services,
May 29, 2020
All Catholics within the territory of the Diocese of Grand Rapids are granted a dispensation from their
obligation of attending Sunday Mass through June 30. We recommend people stay at home if they are
considered vulnerable due to age (over 60) or underlying health conditions. If you are sick, please stay home.
Though the dispensation remains, our obligation to keep holy the Lord’s Day is of utmost importance to our
continued faith life. Mass will continue to be televised at 10 a.m. Sunday on FOX 17 and livestreamed on the
diocesan website (grdiocese.org) and Facebook page (Diocese of Grand Rapids).

PARISHIONER GUIDELINES FOR RETURNING TO PUBLIC MASSES

ATTENDANCE WILL BE LIMITED
Churches will reopen at a 25% seating capacity. With fewer
people at each Mass, it may not be possible for you to attend
with regularity for the first few weeks, or even to attend on
Sunday.
SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE PRACTICED
Pews will be taped off to achieve proper social distancing.
Individuals who are not members of the same household will
need to sit at least 6 feet away in all directions from others.
MASKS/FACE COVERINGS WILL BE REQUIRED
All members of the faithful who are two years of age and older
will need to bring and wear their own appropriate face covering
to attend Mass. Parents, we know this may be hard with young
children, please just try your best. Holy Communion may not be
received in the hand if you are wearing gloves.
MASS WILL LOOK DIFFERENT
Among a few of the changes: physical greetings will be omitted;
the temporary suspension of the distribution of the Precious
Blood remains in effect; collection baskets will not be passed, you
are encouraged to give online or in a common basket upon your
arrival or departure from Mass.
EXTRA SANITIZATION WILL BE IN PLACE
Ushers or a group of volunteers will be wiping down frequently
touched surfaces between Masses. Parishioners are
encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.