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May 16, 2020

Diocese releases reopening considerations for parishes

REGIONAL
Staff report

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(iObserve photo/courtesy of Mary Jeanne Tash)

SPRINGFIELD – As May 18 approaches,  Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski released several reopening considerations to help guide pastors and prepare parishioners for when public Masses resume. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to outline “phase one” of reopening the state on Monday.

Non-essential businesses, schools, and churches have been closed since mid-March due to the stay-at-home advisory Baker issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“On Monday, May 18 we anticipate specifics of the state’s planned phases to reopen and what limitations those phases will mandate as we move forward. It is important that parishes start planning,’ said Bishop Rozanski in a released statement.

“Through our Boston representatives, we have lobbied to have the forthcoming capacity mandate expressed in a percentage of a church and or parish center/gym’s current full capacity rather than a fixed number. Given the worship space variances and Mass attendance numbers, every parish may need to take a different approach in complying with guidelines.”

Bishop Rozanski said the previous diocesan restrictions and state guideline will remain in place, including:

  • The omission of the Sign of Peace
  • No Communion by the cup
  • Communion in the hand only
  • Holy Water fonts to remain empty and covered
  • Social distancing (6 feet minimum) to be abided by at all times
  • Masks will be required

In addition, parishes are asked to remove hymnals, prayer cards, and Mass guides; make sure doors at entrances can be left open for contact-free entry and departure; and block off every other pew ensuring family groups are six feet apart.

The Boston Pilot is reporting public Masses could still be several weeks away. Gov. Baker did not reveal plans for what phase one will look like.

“The bishop thought that it was important for parishes to begin considering reopening plans in anticipation of some partial lifting of the governor’s ban in the coming weeks,” said Mark Dupont, spokesman for the Diocese of Springfield.

For more information on the reopening considerations, log on to:

http://diospringfield.org/directives-for-confronting-the-coronavirus/  

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