Updated Covid-19 Liturgical Directives

Updated March4, 2021

The following guidance for Holy Week 2021 is being offered to address questions related to the reverent and safe celebration of Holy Week this year in the current circumstances of the pandemic.

As a Reminder:

– It is not possible to distribute Holy Communion to the faithful under both kinds at this time.
– Masks continue to be required as is social distancing and hand sanitizer
– The exchange of peace is omitted
– Holy Water stoups and fonts are left empty until Easter Vigil
– Hymnals and pew cards remain out of the pews
– Do not re-use booklets or worship aids
– One cantor or choir size limited according to social distancing
– Maintain social distancing of six feet between families as church architecture allows

Alterations:

– Parishes are no longer required to maintain the maximum 50% capacity. The wearing of masks and
maintaining social distancing for all remain paramount.
– Because of the minimal contagion on the surface of furniture, disinfecting between celebrations of
Mass is no longer necessary, however good cleaning daily after Mass continues to be recommended.
[https://www.cmmonline.com/news/surface-transmission-of-coronavirus-not-as-prevalent-asairborne-transmission]
– Because of the complexity of the rites of Holy Week, it is recommended that parishes use altar servers
for these liturgies, provided they are able to do this safely. Servers should maintain social distancing
except for short periods of time to assist as needed.
– Singing is permitted and encouraged during these most solemn sacred liturgies and especially at the
Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday, and throughout the Easter Season. Keep in mind that masks need to be
worn by those in the pews while singing due to COVID contagion spread by aerosol particles.
– Fresh water may be blessed and used for the baptismal font as well as the sprinkling rite. However,
water is not to be used for more than one individual at this time and the baptismal fonts are to be
drained and cleaned after use. From CDC COVID website: “CDC is not aware of any scientific
reports of the virus that causes COVID-19 spreading to people through the water in pools, hot tubs,
water playgrounds, or other treated aquatic venues.”