New COVID Guidelines effective May 14, 2021

FIRST OF ALL...THANK YOU...for the many sacrifices all of you made to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus. While many congregations and schools across the country were identified as super spreaders in the early stages of the pandemic, our Catholic parishes and schools went to extraordinary means to protect the vulnerable. It was an exemplary effort of faith and community. We were commended often by the health departments responsible for enforcing compliance.

MASKS...Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The exception is crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, even if fully vaccinated.

It is not appropriate or necessary for parishes to verify vaccinations. Here at St. John’s we will not be asking you to show your vaccine card.

***The dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Day obligation is still in effect until further notice.

Encourage “common sense” distancing of 3-6 feet per household.

Encourage vaccination.

Choirs of vaccinated members can practice and assemble during the Liturgy.

Place special emphasis on hand washing and hand sanitizer.

The Bishop is meeting with the other Bishops in the state next week to discuss the Sunday Dispensation, Holy Communion on the tongue, and holy water fonts.

The state still requires masking of all students and employees of schools, daycares and preschools