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PROTOCOLS TO ATTEND MASS
Effective Wednesday, November 4, 2020 we will be reducing our seating due to gatherings being reduced in the state of Maine. Following CDC guidelines and for the safety of all returning to public Mass, we have implemented the following protocols:
Updated: November 1, 2020- Face Masks/Coverings– Other than when our Priests, Deacons and others serving are in the sacred space of the Sanctuary, our staff and volunteers will be wearing face masks/coverings at all times and we ask that our parishioners wear one as well while you are inside the church.
- Attendance Limits – In order to keep social distancing and group gathering requirements to 50 people or less, we need to limit the number of reservations to attend Mass. Please call any of our church offices to make a reservation.
- Out-of-state visitors and returning Summer residents – Anyone from outside of Maine (other than New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts) who have not quarantined for 14 days in Maine prior to Mass may not attend unless they have received a negative COVID test.
We welcome our visitors with open arms. We respectfully request that this restriction be honored by all to whom it pertains. - Sanitizing – Hand sanitizer is positioned throughout all churches and we ask that everyone sanitize their hands upon entering.
- Receiving Communion – Communion will be offered with social-distancing guidelines adhered to in the form of six feet of space between recipients. The distribution of the shared consecrated wine for the faithful is still suspended. Holy water fonts will remain empty.
- Social Distancing – All churches are set up for social distancing. Your ushers will help you navigate seating. Please be sure to read all signs upon your entry.
- Missals & Pamphlets – We have temporarily removed many of the high touch point items from the pews and information tables that you typically see inside the church. If there is specific information you are looking for, please call any of our offices.
- No social gatherings are allowed before or after Mass – We have all missed one another and it is wonderful to see everyone again. To keep each other safe and healthy, we ask that you find alternative ways to catch up with each other, and please do not congregate in the narthex of the church before or after Mass.
- If you are sick, please stay home – If you are experiencing any symptoms of feeling ill or have been in close contact with anyone who has been ill, we ask that you stay home. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues to be in place. Live-streamed Masses are being offered each day on our Website and Facebook pages as well as on local community TV stations on Sunday morning.
We understand that some of these restrictions may seem to be too cautious for the faithful who wish to return to public Masses at this time. However, ensuring the safety and health of our clergy, employees, volunteers, parishioners, and the greater community remains our top priority. Our deepest appreciation to all of our parishioners for your support throughout this crisis and for the tremendous cooperation from all who have returned to Mass in the past few weeks. THANK YOU!