1. GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: Beginning June 1, 2021, public Masses have been resumed with no more restrictions. Does that mean I have an obligation to attend Sunday Mass?
Q: In which circumstances are people dispensed?
A: - If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have good reason to believe you have contracted it;
- If you are ill or have a condition that would seriously compromise your health if you contracted COVID-19 or another communicable disease;
- If you care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed and have a compelling reason for believing that you would infect them by going to Mass;
- If you are elderly or pregnant and have a serious reason to believe you would put yourself or your child at risk by attending Mass.
Q: Will Masses continue to be streamed on the Internet through our parish website?
A:
Yes. Please click here for Mass times.
2. SCHEDULING QUESTIONS
Q: What days and times will Masses be and in what languages?
A:
Beginning July 1st, 2021, there will be 1 vigil Mass on Saturday, at 4:30 pm in English. On Sunday, we will have Masses at 7 am, 9 am, 11 am, and 5:30 pm in English, 1 pm in Spanish, and a Tridentine Mass at 3 pm.
3. SEAT RESERVATIONS
Q: Are seat reservations needed?
A: As of June 1st, 2021, seat reservations are no longer needed.
4. QUESTIONS ABOUT CHANGES IN THE LITURGY
Q: Has the Diocese of Phoenix established any changes in the liturgy?
A: Yes, Bishop Olmsted has asked for certain changes in the liturgy of the Holy Mass within the various alternatives offered by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and the authority granted to him in liturgical matters by the Code of Canon Law.
Q: What changes can I expect?
A: Click here to view changes from the Diocese of Phoenix, written on April 15th, 2021.
The Bishop’s decisions include the following:
- Physical distancing in the pews between individuals who are not of the same family/household.
- The use of face coverings will continue to be recommended in accordance
with the CDC guidelines and advice from the medical community, particularly indoors for those not able to stay at least 6 feet apart from groups that are unrelated or not in the same household. (We are still waiting to hear about policies that may change in relation t the latest CDC announcements)
- No passing of offertory collection baskets during the Holy Mass (to make your donation, please follow the following link: https://stanneaz.org/#donationArea )
- Suspension of the offertory procession.
- The sign of peace may be offered through a gesture such as a nod, bow or a simple hand wave.
- Separate lines depending on whether Holy Communion is received in the hand or on the tongue.
- Mandatory use of masks for the ministers of Holy Communion during the distribution of the Body of the Lord.
- The ministers of Holy Communion who distribute the Body of the Lord on the tongue must sanitize their hand after each person who receives Communion.
- Parishes may continue to reinstate choirs and altar servers but in a manner that mitigates risk of spread of the virus (e.g., physical distancing, use of facial coverings, etc.) when appropriate.
Q: Is communion allowed in the hand and on the tongue?
A: Yes.
Q: Who decides which way a person receives Holy Communion?
A: The person who receives Holy Communion.
Q: What does the Bishop recommend about the reception of Holy Communion?
A: The Bishop says: “Recent scientific literature has made us aware that the COVID-19 virus is present in high concentrations in saliva that is why the salivary test is being made known and is being published in peer reviewed journals. With the distribution of Holy Communion on the tongue, it places the faithful, vulnerable people and ministers at risk if a minister were inadvertently to come into contact with saliva. Considering this new knowledge, Bishop Olmsted is asking to please encourage the faithful, for the time being, to receive in the hand. This shows no lack of reverence or understanding of the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ in the Eucharist. But it is important for the common good and the safety of the community.”
Q: Do I have to sit somewhere in particular to receive Holy Communion on the hand or on the tongue?
A: No, there will be lines for each way of receiving Holy Communion on both sides of the sanctuary. This information will be provided during the Mass at the time for reception of Holy Communion.
5. QUESTIONS ABOUT SANITARY MEASURES
Q: In addition to everything that has already been mentioned in the previous questions, are there any additional hygiene requirements from the Bishop?
A: The Diocese requests the suspension of hugs and handshakes before or after Holy Mass. In addition, it is requested that the dismissal of the people should be done in an orderly way to ensure distancing. Finally, the Diocese asks that people avoid gathering before or after Holy Mass.
Q: Are there any other added sanitary recommendations from the Bishop?
A:
The Diocese strongly recommends minimizing contact with people and the use of masks is strongly recommended. Those who come to the parish are also encouraged to bring their own masks and hand sanitizer.
6. FINAL QUESTIONS
Q: How long will this plan be in place for the Sunday Masses?
A: Changes will be made as we refine the process and as the Diocese has directed us to adapt and accommodate.
A. M. D. G.
