This has been a long time in coming. We are grateful that we are now able to incorporate the following when we gather for the Sacred Liturgy. Parish Staff has discussed the directives issued us by the Diocese of Harrisburg, and are pleased to announce the following, effective the weekend of May 29/30, 2021:
Masks are no longer required if you are fully vaccinated (at least 2 weeks after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot); but you can still wear a mask after being fully vaccinated if desired.
Capacity constraints have been removed – no more ribbons to enforce social distancing standards. We still have 2 outdoor Masses (Saturdays at 4:00 PM; Sundays at 9:45 AM) for those who want to maintain an extra level of protection or are uncomfortable inside the church building, as well as livestreaming and transmitting via FM 95.5 to our parking lot.
Holy Water will be returned to the fonts at each entrance to the church; the Holy Water Urn will be returned to the Narthex
Confessions will return to the church Confessionals. Confessions are offered Saturdays from 2:15 – 3:15 PM.
The exchange of the Sign of Peace will return. We will make the invitation, “Let us offer each other the Sign of Peace” and we ask that you extend your hand only if you feel comfortable doing so. Another appropriate way of offering the Sign of Peace is to turn to your neighboring worshippers and simply say, “Peace be with you.” We also recommend that you not extend your hand if you prefer not to make contact with anyone.
Ushers will be there to assist if necessary, but will no longer take you to your seat prior to Mass beginning.
Sanitizing the church will be reduced to once daily – after the last Mass of the day. The Church is open for private prayer in between Masses on Sunday, so you can stick around after Mass if desired.
Hand sanitization for the distribution of Holy Communion will remain in place. We will restore the Communion Stations (where the Minister of Holy Communion stands at the front of the line) and you are asked to make your way out of the pew, from front to back, toward the aisle that has the sanitizing station.
The Act of Spiritual Communion will no longer be read at Mass. It will be displayed on the livestream video at the beginning of Communion for those watching online.
Several things incorporated since COVID-19 will remain:
Distribution of the Precious Blood to the Lay Faithful remains suspended until further notice.
We will continue to use just the main doors for entrance, with the exception of those with mobility issues. Those worshippers can now use the Keller Street entrance, where there is an automatic door, near plenty of handicapped spaces in the front parking lot. You may exit from Mass through any door.
Masks will be worn by ordinary and extraordinary ministers distributing Holy Communion.
Hand Sanitizing for the distribution of Holy Communion will remain in place. Hand sanitizer will also be available as you enter the church.
Collection baskets will be at the entrance and exits to the church, as will the bulletins. The desire is to place the collection back into its normal place in the Mass, but we are in need of additional ushers in order to make that happen. If interested, please contact the parish office.
Infant chapel remains closed with the exception of Confession.
We have a number of other considerations to discuss, will be working on all of that in the coming weeks and months.