Gradual Re-opening of Lord’s Day Masses

Bishop Timothy Doherty of our Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana released a decree on May 8 allowing for Sunday Masses to begin to be celebrated with persons present beginning the weekend of May 30-31. We will be under the procedures of Phase B of the decree, which prescribes many limitations on how the liturgy will be celebrated.

Therefore, throughout this next phase of re-opening it is important to be patient, to be flexible, and to expect a very different experience than before. Because many will still be unable to attend Mass in person, the liturgy will continue to be livestreamed during this phase.

IMPORTANT: Bishop Doherty has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until August 15, 2020.

IMPORTANT: You are urged to stay home if you are 65 years old or older, your health is in some way compromised, you are fearful of the possible infection of COVID-19, or you are experiencing any symptoms of sickness, including fever, dry cough, sore throat, or a headache,.
 
What you can expect from our parish:
• A sincere effort to provide a safe environment and prayerful liturgy.
• Careful cleaning of the church between liturgies using approved materials and procedures.
• Cooperation with orders or guidance from local, state, and federal government officials.
• Continued live-streaming of daily and Sunday Masses.
• Extra face masks and hand sanitizer.
• Accommodations to allow distancing of six feet or more from others.

What your parish expects from you:
• Bring your own face mask and hand sanitizer if you can. Do not wear gloves.
• Arrive on time.
• Practice proper distancing at all times throughout the church campus, both inside and outside of the church building.
• Wear your mask at all times.
• Cooperate with any instructions from volunteers.
• Avoid touching anything inside the church
• Limit use of electronic devices to avoid distractions—disinfect them before arriving.
• Use bathroom for emergencies only.

What to expect at Mass during Phase B:
 • A liturgy that is short and simple and that has:
   *  No music
   *  No missalettes
   *  No Holy Water
   *  No Sign of Peace
   *  No Communion Cup (Blood of Christ)
   *  No bulletins
   *  No procession to begin or end Mass
   *  No collection during Mass
 • Limited fellowship before and after Mass, even outside.
• You will be assigned a seat as the church will be seated from the front to back.
• Late arrivals may not be able to enter church, even with reservations.
• Holy Communion will be offered right after Mass with immediate exiting of the church. Receiving the host on the tongue is highly discouraged.
• A basket will be available for you to drop off your envelopes in the church.

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.