St-John’s
Catholic Church

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am so glad to announce to you that we will be opening the church on June 14th, for the 11:30 am mass. There will be some small changes in the celebration that we will adapt. As you may know, the CDC and the Diocese of Monterey have given us guidelines to follow when reopening the church so that we can continue to celebrate mass during this pandemic. We will have specific protocols when attending mass and I invite you to please pay attention to the details so that you will be able to familiarize yourself with these changes.

But before we go into the details of these changes, let me remind you of the following considerations when you decide to avail the in-service mass of our church. First, and most importantly, any parishioner who feels sick in anyway, those with a fever or cough, and those who live with a person found to be positive for COVID-19, are urged to refrain from public gatherings, including the liturgical celebrations, until a doctor determines it is safe for them to do so. Second, the dispensation from the obligation to attend mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation issued on March 12, 2020 is still in effect until further notice. Finally, even with the resumption of public liturgies, parishioners who are particularly vulnerable are urged to remain home. This includes those who are over the age of 65 or those who have pre-existing heart or lung conditions, diabetes, or are otherwise immunocompromised. Such individuals should not volunteer or be asked to volunteer to fulfill liturgical ministries. The church will be cleaned and sterilized before each mass including exterior handrails.

Having said these important considerations, let me now proceed to the details of the changes that will be in place when you opt to attend the in-service mass during the reopening and services in the future.

Upon arrival at the church property, you will notice that the parking lot is configured so that social distancing is maintained. Every other parking space will be coned off. At all times, please be sure you are wearing a facemask. If you have forgotten to bring a facemask, we will have one available. When you approach the entrance of the church you will see signs to remind you of proper distancing and information on how to control the spread of the virus. The sidewalk will be marked with tape indicating the proper place to stand while waiting in line to enter the church. At the entrance of the church, an usher will take your temperature using a touchless thermometer and another usher will direct you to a touchless hand sanitizing dispenser for your use. You will then be seated in the pews inside the church. It is important to always follow the cues of the ushers so that you will be able to observe social distancing according to the seating arrangements.

Throughout the mass there will be no hymnals, missalettes, or other worship aids. Digital copies will be available online which you can download and print and bring with you to mass. The practice of holding hands during the Lord’s prayer is prohibited except for household members. The invitation “let us offer each other the sign of peace” and the exchange of peace that follows will be omitted until further notice. It is highly encouraged that you minimize the use of the restroom since it must be sanitized after every use. Signs may be posted to remind parishioners of this necessity. The restrooms on the side of the church building will be open and we are asking that you follow the instruction posted inside the restroom to alert others that it has been recently used. Please exit and enter the church through the main doors.

During the reception of the holy communion, if you are seated in the pews on the right-side facing the altar you are to line up to your right in the isle between the pews and the wall. The same is true with those seated in the pews on the left-side facing the altar. You should fall in line in the isle between the pews and the wall. Those who have health concerns and do not wish to receive the sacrament of communion may make an active spiritual Communion. When you approach for communion, please remain 6 feet from others in the line and from the minister. When it is your turn to receive, keep your mask on and remain 6 feet away from the minister while he shows you the host and says, “the body of Christ.” After you respond “Amen” approach the minister. With your arms outstretched, place one hand under the other while keeping your fingers together. Receive the host in your hand, then walk towards the center isle and at least 6 feet away from the minister. An usher will hold a Communion Plate under your hands so that you do not accidentally drop the Host. Carefully loosen your facial covering if necessary, consume the Host and replace your facial covering. Another usher will direct you to a touchless sanitizing dispenser for you to use before returning to your seat. Those who come forward to receive a blessing may do so, but rest assure I will not physically touch anyone coming to receive the blessing.

Prior to the prayer after Communion, I may lead an act of spiritual Communion for those who are present but out of concern for their safety did not receive sacramental communion or for those who are watching via livestream. At the end of the mass, please follow the order of dismissal using the center isle beginning with the last row of pews at the back of the church. The ushers will again assist during this time. Please avoid crowding or socializing at the exit of the church. The doors will be propped open to avoid unnecessary contact with door handles and push bars.

If you would like to review these instructions and familiarize yourself with the new protocols, a transcript will be made available on the church’s website.

And lastly, if you decide to continue to stay home and celebrate mass via livestream or join with me through the weekly readings and reflections that I send to you, I want to reassure you of your presence in the spirit of the mystical body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your patience and may God bless you all.

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