Guidelines Preparing to Return to Public Masses 

Effective Date:  Friday, may 29, 2020

Diocese of Gallup

A Return to Parish Life                                 

The faithful remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. 

  Our Common Space:  The parish is committed to maintain as safe an environment as feasible.  The staff     

    and volunteers on parish campuses will frequently clean and sanitize the facilities.  These are   

    precautionary measures but the risk of contracting the virus in public remains.  It is important for 

    individuals and families to take personal responsibility to protect themselves. 

  Our Actions:  Physical distancing and spacing must be practiced by all individuals on parish properties.  All 

    are strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for handwashing and hand sanitizer use, as well as 

    recommendations regarding the use of masks or cloth face coverings while in public.  

Our Charity:  Remember to be patient and kind.  Pastors and parishes will do their best to offer Holy Mass,  

  Communion and Confession, but may face some challenges.  Health and age of priests, deacons, and 

  volunteers may necessitate limitations in what can be offered.  This means that every parish may do things   

  a little differently.  Changes may be necessary if the activity of the disease changes in the local area.

Should I come to Mass?

Stay home if: 

+You are feeling sick or have a fever. 

+ You have a sick family member at home or have been recently exposed to someone who may be sick.  

+ You are a primary caretaker of a vulnerable person.  

+ You have been traveling or in large crowds.  

+ You are at risk because of preexisting conditions or age.  

The faithful are requested not to “parish hop” for convenience.  That complicates parish management and is contrary to limiting spread of disease.

  What is going to be different for now?   

+   The number of people in each church is going to be limited based on physical distancing and seating capacity.  

+  Seating may be assigned or designated to help keep people safely spaced.  

+   Some parishes may offer additional times for celebration of the Mass to meet the needs of the faithful.

+   The Sign of Peace will be omitted. 

+   Singing by the assembly will be very limited.

+   Greeting the priest after Mass will be reduced. 

+   Livestreaming of the Mass will continue from the Cathedral and many parishes.  

+   Please continue to stay connected to your parish community through social media and the parish website.

+   Masks or face covers are strongly advised (noting that some may have conditions that prohibit this practice)

Thank you for your patience during this time and for supporting your parish!

Holy Communion

+ Physical distancing must be exercised, a spacing of at least 6 feet between family units or persons.

+   Please observe instructions, signs and floor markings.

+   There will be no distribution of the Precious Blood.

+   Some parishes may offer opportunities for Holy Communion for those unable to attend the public celebration of the Mass.

Confession

+   The Sacrament will continue to be offered but the setting may be altered to accommodate physical distancing and good ventilation but maintain privacy.

 https://dioceseofgallup.org/