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Letter from Fr. Kevin
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Our Lady of Guadalupe,
The Archbishop has given our parish permission to begin to celebrate public masses, albeit with several restrictions and conditions. We will do everything possible to ensure the safety of those who attend. However, anyone attending Mass does so at their own risk. Vulnerable, at-risk and otherwise concerned persons should remain home. This includes persons over the age of 65 and anyone who has a chronic disease, persons with diabetes, and persons with a weakened immune system.
What we will be asking of parishioners:- You will be required to take your temperature at home and if it is more than 100.4 you agree that will not attend mass. Anyone experiencing even the slightest symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, MUST remain at home out of consideration for the health and wellbeing of others.
- Masks/face coverings must be worn. We ask that you bring your own, but we will have some available if necessary. For your safety and that of others, face masks are not optional.
- Upon entrance to the church each person will be required to sanitize their hands and practice strict physical distancing of 6 feet apart from members of different households.
- Only a limited number of individuals will be able to attend mass, based on Archdiocesan guidelines.
- Registration will be required to attend Mass (ONLINE or by PHONE-206-035-0358). REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 5:00 PM ON THURSDAYS PRIOR TO THAT WEEKEND'S PUBLIC MASS. We will not admit anyone who is not registered. Registration is mandated to both limit the numbers in attendance and to provide for contact tracing should we learn that anyone present has been exposed to COVID-19. We are required to keep records of all in attendance for 30 days, after which they will be destroyed.
- Arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the start of mass to allow time for the check in process.
- Registered persons will be greeted by staff who will check you in and show you your place for Mass. You will not be able to choose your own spot. However, family groups will remain together.
- At check in you will be asked to confirm the above has been met.
- You will need to leave the church immediately after mass. Congregating on the parish campus, including parking lots, is not allowed.
Changes within the Mass:
- Once seated, you will not be allowed to leave your seat until it is time for the distribution of Holy Communioin.
- There will be no congregational singing because singing increases the risk of transmitting of the virus.
- The Sign of Peace will not be shared, and Communion will not be offered from the cup.
- Distribution of Holy Communion will take place at it usual place. People will come forward wearing their masks and observing physical distancing as directed by the usher. Please view VIDEO of Fr. Kevin's welcome to public masses and his VIDEO on how to receive communion. Parishioners may not wear gloves to receive Holy Communion.
- No holy water in the font.
- Restrooms will not be available for use. (Mass will be shorter to limit the amount of time people are in an enclosed space)
These safety measures are employed, not out of fear, but out of love for neighbor and concern for the vulnerable. We thank you for your continued patience and support.
Fr. Kevin Duggan