Parish COVID-19 Protocols - Effective November 27

Due to the rapidly rising number of COVID-19 infections and the reduced hospital capacity to absorb more of the infirm,  Bishop Weisenburger has enacted the following updated directives, effective November 27.

Parish offices are closed; employees are permitted to work remotely from home. Parish’s telephones are forwarded and calls are monitored. Appointments may be requested at 520-577-5870.

Daily Masses are cancelled.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament remains cancelled.
 
Distribution of Holy Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass so that the communicant can exit the Church without unduly compromising social distancing. Clergy or Eucharistic Ministers who distribute Holy Communion must be masked and make generous use of hand-sanitizer. For the immediate future Holy Communion may only be given in the hand. 
 
Deacons under the age of 65, in good health and without chronic health problems, may resume their ministry while observing all standard protocols. Deacons over the age of 65 and with no chronic health problems may resume their ministry at their discretion. Deacons over the age of 65 with chronic health problems must refrain from public ministry or seek permission from the Bishop to return to ministry and must outline those ministries they wish to undertake. This return to ministry also will require the recommendation of Msgr. John.
 
Congregational singing, as well as choir singing, remains prohibited, but the use of up to two cantors, observing social distancing from one another and the congregation, is acceptable.  
 
Baptisms: will be limited to twenty (20) persons. Critical to the celebration of a baptism during Phase II is social distancing. 
 
Funerals and weddings:  will follow the same protocols as Sunday Masses, with maximum capacity of 50 attendees.

Following are the protocols that remain the same as Phase I:

14. Communications with Parishioners:  We have appreciated many kind words of praise for generous and timely communication with you. That will continue, beginning with notifying you of the change in protocols. That includes website, Flocknote and Facebook.

14. Any parishioners, clergy, staff, ministers, or volunteers who are feeling sick in any way may not come onto St. Thomas the Apostle property.

14. Continued use of technology in ministry. Many faithful Catholics will remain unable to be physically present at Mass for the coming months. We will not cease ministry to them; weekly Sunday video Mass from the Chapel as said by either Msgrs. John or Al will continue.

14. Hymnals, prayer books and other print material (formerly in the pews) will remain unavailable.

14.  Distribution of Holy Communion outdoors for the vulnerable population, received after viewing a Mass through technology, will remain scheduled on Sunday  from 7:30 – 8:30 AM and 4:00 - 4:30 PM in the Parish courtyard. 

14. Sacramental Penance will continue to be by appointment only and will take place only outdoors, employing proper social distancing and the use of masks.

14. As pastor, Msgr. John will determine case-by-case whether or not Holy Communion may safely be taken to shut-ins who are not thought to have COVID-19.  He will take into account the potential of accidental transmission of the virus to those the clergy might visit in their homes, especially those with compromised health.  Wherever possible, outdoor visits will be greatly preferred to entering the homes of shut-ins. Concerning hospital calls, clergy will follow all local hospital protocols as it pertains to pastoral visits.

14. As already witnessed in Arizona, there is no guarantee that the Parish might not have to regress again if we experience an unexpected spike in the Coronavirus.  We will continue to follow advice from the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] as well as our state and county health departments. We will not give the false impression that the risk at this stage is marginal. The faithful must be aware of the lingering potential risks of resuming any public activity, including religious practice. 

14. The goal of unity of parishes at times may have to be adjusted to regional needs; in other words, protocols from parish to parish may vary. 

14. Use of face masks for all those six and older remains mandatory.  Our clergy will set a good example and will continue to make use of a mask before/after Mass, especially if greeting parishioners (while observing social distance) after Mass.  The clergy may still not shake hands or make any other physical contact with parishioners during this phase. While human touch might be quite important for ministry, for now we must look forward to that in the future and maintain social distancing.  Anyone with a legitimate medical reason not to use a mask must clarify this matter with Msgr. John prior to presenting himself/herself for public liturgy.  Those persons legitimately without masks may be asked to be seated in a more distanced space from the majority of the community during Mass. Use of masks is a critical way to help protect fellow parishioners. It is especially critical for the most vulnerable among us as it is unquestionably a pro-life issue.

14. The dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation remains in place during this next phase for all Catholics living in or visiting the Diocese of Tucson.  Those identified by the CDC as more at-risk - especially those with a chronic health condition or over the age of 65 - are encouraged to refrain from in-person Parish/Church events.

14. Holy Water in fonts for use of the general public remains unavailable but may be provided individually to the faithful who request it for use in their homes. 

14. Parish bulletins (with weekend readings) remain available only for self-pickup. They may not be left behind in pews following Mass. If a parishioner picks one up on entry; he/she is to discard them in a trash container upon departure or take it with them.

14. Stationary collection baskets for weekly donations drop-boxes will remain located toward the back of the church where they may be observed by ushers and removed promptly after Mass. We continue to encourage On-line donations (through OSV) at this time. 

14. Maximum church seating congregation may not exceed one-third (1/3) of pew space and there must be social distancing between persons not living in the same house.  The use of a large sign noting when the church is at maximum seating will be placed prominently near the church entrance by the individual Mass ushers when maximum capacity has been met. Aggressive cleaning measures already in place along with proper ventilation remain critical.  If congregations return quickly in large numbers, and seating limitations become problematic, additional Masses may be scheduled. Permission to celebrate Masses on Fridays and Mondays with use of Sunday scripture readings and Mass prayers remains in place until further notice.  There may be no social gatherings between households before or after Mass or other celebrations.

14. No “hand-shake” (sign of peace) or other gestures involving touch. In its place the Mass celebrant and Mass attendees are to verbally extend a wish for peace perhaps with a partial bow to one another. 

14. Parish meetings ordinarily are to be held through technology.  By exception, they may resume in person but only when all participants are outside the “at risk” category of the CDC and the participants freely agree to participate. Those who cannot participate in an in-person meeting should be provided the opportunity to participate through technology. All in-person meetings must follow social distancing protocols and use of masks. Meeting rooms shall be cleaned and disinfected after use and between meetings. If these points cannot be met, then the meetings must take place via technology.

14. Fund Raising endeavors will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The critical issues will be the extent to which safety protocols can be applied.  Fund-raising efforts involving food will not be conducted during this interim phase.

14. Cleaning Procedures: Frequently touched surfaces (wooden pew surfaces, restroom fixtures, door handles) will be cleaned between Masses.

14. Fiestas, Social Gatherings: During this phase, Fiestas and Social Gatherings are not allowed. Social Gatherings and Fiestas are fraternal in nature. There is strong potential for social distancing and other protocols to collapse.

14. Food-preparation/Cooking: Either on-site preparation or potluck and its distribution, must comply fully with health/safety regulations, certifications, training, and licensing of the local county health department. Consulting with the local county health department prior to such event is mandatory. Additionally, social distancing protocols must be followed for food distribution.