St. Mary's Parish

RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC LITURGIES AT ST. MARY'S PARISH

Public liturgies are now being celebrated

While our health officials try to get a complete understanding of COVID-19, we are mindful of the current orders directed by the State of Ohio and the Diocese of Youngstown. Like it or not, COVID-19 will be with us for quite some time and our plans need to reflect its potential danger but meanwhile mitigate the danger to the best of our abilities. We recognize the seriousness of large gatherings and have put in place measures that are designed specifically with the protection of the common good while remaining faithful to the directives of our leaders.

We appreciate the incredible sacrifices you have made over these last weeks. The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives, especially in the way we worship. In light of the return to public liturgy, please be mindful that much of what we were accustomed to before will be different for a while - maybe a long while. We will all need to be patient and remain flexible while placing trust in our Lord during these unprecedented times.

Please note that the Diocese of Youngstown has extended indefinitely the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. This means that if you have any concerns, are hesitant to leave your homes, or are considered high risk, please stay home. Alternatively, please consider attending a weekday Mass when attendance might be lower. In either case, you are dispensed of the Sunday obligation to attend Mass.

If you can not attend Mass in person, we encourage you to unite to the Eucharist by participating in our Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass via our Facebook live stream or on Living Bread Radio (AM1060 & 94.5FM).

Please take a few moments to read and reflect upon the following notable changes we have temporarily made to our public liturgies and the way we celebrate. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Michael Alesiano, Liturgy Coordinator, at (330) 833-8503.

General Guidelines

• While not mandatory, worshippers may wear face masks or face coverings.

• Appropriate cleaning of the church will be done before and after each service.

• Doors will be propped open as much as possible to lessen contact.

• The Cry Rooms will be closed and unavailable for use.

• The Choir Loft is reserved for music ministers only.

• Large gatherings before or after Mass are discouraged.

• If a line forms for the restrooms, please observe social distancing as you wait your turn.

 Before Mass

• Holy water fonts will remain empty until further notice.

• Hand sanitizer will be available at each entrance.

• Every third row will be open for seating. Please do not move the ropes, and please ensure social distancing while seated. Other than immediate family members/household units, worshippers should be seated six feet apart.

• The hymnals and missalettes have been removed from the pews. The readings and music for Mass will be printed in the bulletin. Please take a bulletin as you come in so you can actively participate in the liturgy.

During Mass

Please note that the presider and other ministers on the altar will not be wearing masks or gloves during the celebration of Mass. “The Mass is imbued with powerful sacramental and liturgical symbolism. Wearing a mask and gloves would be a detrimental counter-sign in this context, and is not necessary if proper social distancing is maintained.” –Diocese of Youngstown

• Physical contact during the Lord’s Prayer and Sign of Peace is suspended. For the Sign of Peace, those present are encouraged to bow to others and offer words of peace.

• Eucharistic Ministers will be required to wear masks for the distribution of Holy Communion.  Gloves are not permitted. The ministers will wash their hands before Mass and sanitize their hands before and after distribution of the Eucharist.

• For the reception of Holy Communion, please remain in your seat and a Eucharistic Minister will bring the Blessed Sacrament to you in the pew.

• It is highly encouraged and strongly recommended that the reception of Holy Communion be given in the hand. Reception of the Eucharist on the tongue is strongly discouraged at this time.

• If you wear a mask, please make sure to pull it down below the chin as the Eucharistic Minister approaches you. You may then replace your mask after placing the Eucharist in your mouth.

• If you wear gloves, please remove them before receiving the Blessed Sacrament.

After Mass

• Please take your bulletin with you as you leave the pew. You may take the bulletin home with you or dispose of it at the exit, as necessary.
• Please leave the church in an orderly fashion, using the exit nearest to your location in the building.