These past days have been filled with many tasks as the Parish Staff has prepared for reopening Sacred Heart Church.  With the many directives and numerous cautions, reopening has been quite a project.  A word of thanks to all who help in this process, especially Patricia Keller, Bridget Catherman, Eileen DeSantis, Virginia Baker and Eileen Pannell.  And, of course, for all of your prayers and kindness!

Certainly, these are strange days and our return to Holy Mass will have new procedures for entering the Church Building, where we sit, how we receive Holy Communion and exiting the Church.  A reminder that the dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligations to attend Holy Mass remains in effect in the Diocese of Harrisburg until further notice. And a dispensation from the precept to receive Holy Communion during the Easter Season has been granted by Bishop Gainer.  To this end, no one is obligated to attend Holy Mass.  Anyone who is sick should not attend Holy Mass, out of concern for the health of all.

Below are a few notes and pictures, for those preparing for Holy Mass this weekend or would like to know how we are implementing all these changes.  (Also… there is a full document on ‘Regathering as a Parish’  on the Parish Website.) Obviously, it’s a process to meet all the requirements… so there may be a few adjustments this afternoon, but this will give you an idea.
 
First, given the demands of social distancing, please be aware that 2 out of every 3 pews have been closed off -- for many this will mean that all of will need to be adaptable about where they sit within the Church.  Ushers will help to seat people.  This will require flexibility from all of us.  You may be asked to sit in a different part of the Church than you prefer.  Your understanding and willingness to be seated by the usher will allow for the most people to be able to attend Holy Mass this weekend.  Once we reach our capacity, either by total number or a lack of space as determined by the constraints of social distancing we will close the Church for safety.

Pictures of Church Pews... notice 2 out of 3 pews are closed off to keep 6-foot spacing:




Also, tape markers are on the floor to mark 6-foot distances for Holy Communion, as well as at the lobby entrance to help keep proper spacing.  A reminder, we are all using the Education Building West Lobby Entrance, the double doors to the “connector” on the parking lot side, for entrance and exiting.

Picture of Center Aisle... 6-foot spacing marked with tape, also another view of the pews:



Second, an "over-flow room" will be opened once capacity is reached in the Church.  Given the many dynamics of social distancing this will allow more to participate in the Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion.  Sacred Heart Hall has been prepared for this purpose.

Picture of Sacred Heart Hall... it's nearly ready:



Third, the wearing of a facemask is required for all throughout their entire time in Church -- only removed for a moment for the reception of Holy Communion.  A facemask is worn properly when it covers the nose and mouth at the same time.  Certainly, for many a facemask is uncomfortable (more difficult for those who wear glasses) and a prolonged wearing of a facemask is not easy.  With the many cautions in place, each person must continuously wear a facemask (exemption for children under 3).  And, all will need to bring their own face mask.  This could mean that you are continuously wearing a facemask for an hour (or more… from time of arrival at Church and through the Holy Mass).

Picture of a facemask and your favorite Parish Priest (just agree... its been a long week!):



Fourth, Holy Communion will be distributed to the faithful after Holy Mass.  Ushers will assist to form a properly distanced line in the center aisle of the Church.  The procedure for reception of Holy Communion has been modified, to account for a facemask.  All will wear their facemask while in line for Holy Communion.  When a person reaches the first pew, next in line to receive, then the facemask will be pulled down or placed in a pocket.  It is recommended that Holy Communion would be received in the hand, as a practical precaution, however it is not mandated.  The reception and consumption of the Most Holy Eucharist will occur at the same place.  (I know that this is not a universal practice, but given the all the new parts to the Holy Communion process it seems safest to immediately consume Holy Communion.)  Then, after receiving and consuming Holy Communion, a person will step away from the priest and place their mask back on their face properly.  Yes, this new procedure is precise – the many cautions and concerns demand a detailed method for the reception of Holy Communion.  Instructions will be given after Holy Mass, for those who will receive the Most Holy Eucharist.

 Picture of the Center Aisle... notice the markings for the Holy Communion Line:


Finally, all are reminded that this is a new experience for each of us in a time of many cautions.  No one is required to attend Holy Mass this weekend or this week – Bishop Gainer has continued the dispensations from Sunday and Holy Days of Obligations, until further notice.  Also, given the serious warnings for persons in ‘higher-risk categories’ the decision to attend Holy Mass should consider many factors for each family. 

As I reflect on how to apply these cautions and concerns it seems to me that a similar rule to Winter Weather Emergencies could apply.  When there is a blizzard or significant Winter Storm (Ice, Snow, etc.) we each make prudential judgements about leaving the house, attending events, or even when and where to travel – we think about our physical health and the conditions outside.  In our current time we need to think about our physical health, the health of those we live with, and the circumstances of being out in public with others in various circumstances as we re-engage our practice of the faith.  It may be the best course of action for some to choose to attend Holy Mass on a Weekday or even wait a bit longer, as we begin this ‘Yellow Phase’ of the COVID-19 crisis.
 
Picture of Sacred Heart Church... almost completely ready:


Okay… well, here we go!  Hopefully these pictures have helped you to think about our new procedures and see the work that has been done to prepare for this weekend. 

Remember, we are Easter People: keep Sunday a day of Worship through prayer, reading the Word of God, and rest.