Dear Parishioners,
Ready (for many) or not (for some) here we go!
Many of the covid 19 pandemic restrictions and protocols get lifted starting this Saturday, May 29th. I have attached the full letter below from Bishop da Cunha tailoring the Governor's State of Massachusetts announcement to our local churches in the Diocese of Fall River. I have further truncated bullet points for us here at Holy Cross Parish. As always I appreciate your cooperation and patience as we begin the next normal hopefully without regression.
- The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays remains in effect in the Diocese of Fall River at this time.
- Sunday and daily Masses will continue being streamed via the parish website with the recitation of the Spiritual Act of Communion until the obligation is reinstated at a later date.
- Church seating is back to 100% capacity. Ribbons and tape removed from pews and aisles.
- There is no more need to register for attending Masses.
- Signage on doors requiring masks removed.
- Fully vaccinated parishioners and visitors attending anything on parish grounds do not need to wear face coverings. However, if you would like to continue doing so please feel welcome. Non-vaccinated parishioners and visitors are advised to continue wearing face coverings and maintain social distancing as best you can.
- Confessions for now will remain from 3:15-3:45pm in the St. Andre Chapel in the Parish Center with or without mask since there is adequate spacing.
- We will wait and resume children and teen altar servers until September.
- Holy water is returned to the fonts by the church doors.
- Hymnals, music supplements, and prayer cards are returned to pews.
- Congregational singing with choir is allowed for full, active participation at Mass.
- The Offertory will take place during the preparation of the altar once again, however the collection baskets with handles will be used by Greeters/Ushers.
- The Sign of Peace returns, however, the "sign" should be done without physical contact with instead a word or gesture to those not living in the same household. Shaking another's hands is always optional and do not be offended if another does not want to shake hands. Keep the peace by staying focused on a Sign of Peace.
- We will not be offering the Precious Blood in chalices at Mass at this time.
- Receiving Holy Communion on one's tongue is again allowed.
- Let us all strive to be non-judgmental toward each other as we all make choices for what is most comfortable in these days of transition.
- Please reach out to your extended family, friends and neighbors who attend Holy Cross Church and spread the good news!
God Bless,
Fr. Brad
