Dear Parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton,

As you may have heard or read, the media is reporting that churches can open with a gathering of only ten people to celebrate Mass. Given the limited amount of people that can gather in the church, it does not make sense to open the church for public Mass at this time.  Fr. Walter will continue to celebrate daily Mass from home and at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday from the church.  Barring any technical difficulties, the 8:00 a.m. Mass will continue to be streamed live on the SEAS Facebook page and recorded and viewable later on the SEAS Website.

When the day comes that we can resume public celebrations, Bishop Scharfenberger has asked each parish to put in practice safeguards that will ensure safety and ease of movement in our worship space and liturgy.  These practices will undoubtedly be challenging and frustrating, and adjustments needed along the way.  We all must accept reasonable sacrifices to serve our community, so as not to contribute to a resurgence of this very infectious virus.

The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday is still in place for those who are most vulnerable.  For the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, we encourage you to remain home and to watch the Masses broadcasted on TV, Facebook, or the SEAS website.  For those who are well, you are welcome and encouraged to attend Mass when we officially begin our public celebrations.  

Assuming the virus is still active in the community, the church will take precautions when we begin the public celebration of Mass:    

1. All parishioners are required to wear a suitable face covering while in the church.

2. Physical distancing guidelines will continue to be in place. Aisles and pews will be designated to accommodate these guidelines.

3. Hand sanitizer will be available at the church’s entrances, but we encourage you to bring your sanitizer to cut down on the number of surfaces that you touch while in the church.

4. Holy water fonts will remain empty until further notice.

5. Hymnals and other books will be removed from the pews, sanitized, and returned once the outbreak has passed.

6. The opening and recessional possession will be abbreviated and will follow a “simple form.”

7. Music ministry will be limited to one or two cantors; the congregation is encouraged not to sing to avoid spreading respiratory particles.
8. There will be no offertory procession. The bread and wine will be on the Credence Table in the Sanctuary and brought to the altar at the appropriate time. 

9. Collection: Ushers, wearing masks and gloves, will use the Long-handled baskets for the offering.

10. The sign of peace must not contain physical contact.  Please greet one another with a smile or a simple bow, and “peace be with you.”

11. The communion processions will follow physical distancing guidelines, and parishioners need to follow the markings on the floor.  Communicants should continue to wear their masks up to and receiving the Body of Christ.  Step to the side and consume the Body of Christ and return to your seat. Communion will be given in the hand for your protection and the protection of the minister.

When Mass concludes, the celebrant, deacon, and ministers will not greet people at the door, as this encourages close proximity.  Although this is discouraging for Father and Deacon, and I am sure also painful for the people of God, we hope one day soon we will be able to enjoy fellowship and blessings without the fear of Covid-19.

I thank you for your patience and understanding during this most challenging time in our Nation.  May God continue to bless you and your loved ones and keep you safe from all harm.

Peace and blessings,

Deacon Mike