May 21, 2021

Diocese issues updated COVID policies and guidance for parishes, offices

REGIONAL
Staff report

 

SPRINGFIELD – On May 29, Massgoers in western Massachusetts will be able to see the smiles of their fellow parishioners once again.

Father Piotr Calik, vicar general of the Springfield Diocese, has issued a memo to parishes and diocesan offices, announcing the full reopening of diocesan offices on June 14; and updated guidelines regarding masks and social distancing, effective May 29.

In response to confusion related to recent messages from the country’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the diocese will follow the recommendations of the Archdiocese of Boston (the Metropolitan See for Roman Catholic dioceses in the region) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The updated policies include the elimination of masks for fully vaccinated parishioners and reducing church cleaning procedures to once a day. For more specific information, refer to the complete text of the memo below:

FROM: Fr. Piotr Calik, Vicar General

RE: Update on diocesan COVID policies and guidance

There have been many questions regarding new CDC guidance and how various dioceses are implementing them.

The Diocese of Springfield is following the recommendations of our Metropolitan See – the Archdiocese of Boston and the Commonwealth. To that end, Gov. Baker intends to rescind mask wearing and fully reopen the state on May 29. 

Diocesan Offices

Effective June 14, all diocesan offices will return to 100% operations and be open for business.

Regarding Masks and Social Distancing

As most of you are aware, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement that in many settings fully vaccinated people may now go about their days not wearing masks and not social distancing. Beginning May 29, parishes can begin returning to normal procedures.

We will continue to monitor the state mandates closely for the next two (2) weeks, and we will adjust our diocesan protocols in accordance with the other Massachusetts dioceses.

At this point we are making these changes effective May 29 (with the exception of item #4)

1. Vaccinated parishioners do not have to wear masks and can be seated anywhere in the church. We will operate under the honor system; no proof of vaccination will be required.
2. Dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass remains for the time being. We are coordinating with the other Massachusetts dioceses a date to end the dispensation.
3. The reception of Holy Communion and the taking up of collections may return to their pre-COVID methods.
4. With regard to cleaning the churches with disinfectant, parishes are now only required to clean the churches once a day. Parishes with more than one Mass in a day are not required to clean the church between each Mass. This is effective immediately. However, if a parish has a report of someone having attended the church, who then tests positive for COVID, the parish is still required to deep clean.
5. Following state and local healthcare guidelines, parishes can resume all social and fundraising activities.

In addition, it is highly recommended that discussions between pastors and their parish leadership should take place as soon as possible regarding the implementation and return to normal procedures.

Any questions can be directed to Father Bill Hamilton, director of the Office of Divine Worship, at frb.hamilton@diospringfield.org; or Father Piotr Calik, vicar general at p.calik@diospringfield.org.