St. Bernadette Parish

By the Grace of God…
Public Masses at St. Bernadette Parish to Resume on the Solemnity of Pentecost, May 30 - 31, 2020

By the grace of God, the spread of the Coronavirus has slowed sufficiently so as to allow us to return to church and to the public celebration of the Liturgy.  Governor Baker has implemented Phase One of the reopening of Massachusetts, allowing for gatherings of people up to forty percent of a building’s capacity, including churches.  However, some restrictions remain for the common good.

Bishop McManus has implemented liturgical adaptations for the celebration of Mass and the sacraments, careful to follow regulations for public safety.

In preparation for resuming public Masses, our parish staff has prepared our church to meet the government regulations and the liturgical guidelines.  I have invited parish staff and other members of our parish to serve as ministers, having instructed them in health and liturgical guidelines.  I am grateful to them for their willing service to our parish.  Our parish Mass schedule will remain, Saturday 5:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

What to Expect When You Come to Church:

Masks must be worn while in church.  Children two years old and younger are exempt from wearing a face covering.

Enter and Exit

Enter the church ONLY through the front doors, parking lot side of the church.
Exit the church ONLY through the side doors of the church.

Welcoming and Hand Sanitizing

In keeping with health regulations, as you enter the church, a minister will greet you and sanitize your hands with an alcohol - based spray (spritzer) sanitizer.

Limited Seating and Social Distancing

You will notice 6ft. distancing markings within and between pew benches, in the church entrance gathering space, and in the church aisle.   A minister will escort you to a pew designated for seating.  If you are the first person to enter a pew, please take the space closest to the side aisle.

The social distancing regulations allow for a maximum of 1 family, two couples or 3 individuals per pew.

Receiving Holy Communion

The church aisle has 6ft distance markings.  Due to its width the aisle allows for only single file communion line.  A minister will signal to your pew bench when to enter the main aisle. Please observe the floor markings, keeping 6ft from the person in front of you.

As you enter the aisle, in keeping with health regulations, the minister will sanitize your hands with an alcohol - based spray (spritzer) sanitizer.

The priest will be the only minister of Holy Communion.  Before distribution of Holy Communion, Father will sanitize his hands and put on a face covering.

As you approach the priest, he will hold up the Host and say “The Body of Christ.”  You will respond “Amen.” You will then remove, (by one ear strap, or pull down), your required face covering.  He will carefully place the Host in your hand.  You will step to one side, consume the Host, replace your face covering and return to your pew.

For health considerations, please receive Holy Communion standing and in your hand.

Other Things That Will Be Different

No congregational singing, all hymnals have been removed, no choirs.

With pastoral concern and in keeping with health regulations, persons 65 years and older, or anyone with an underlying health issue, or is sick, is recommended to stay home.  Mass will be recorded and made available to watch at home.

Following each Mass, ministers and custodian will sanitize all bathrooms and high touch areas.

What is Required of You to Bring to Church

Along with a mask, the virtue of Patience and a spirit of co-operation.

Pray

Let us continue to pray for the health and well - being of all people.  We have all been affected by Covid - 19, the Coronavirus, in many ways.  May God bless you.

Please click here to view a brief video about returning to church.