GENERAL INFORMATION

- Pastors should devise a liturgical schedule appropriate for parish’s needs at this time.

- All doors may be utilized for entrance and exit of church.

- Barriers, tape, cords to maintain social distancing may be removed.

- Sanitizing of pews and other furnishing after each Mass may be discontinued

- Hand sanitizers should continue to be made available.

- Restrooms may be restored to full use. 

- Blessed Water may be placed in fonts.

- Missals and hymnals may be placed in pew book racks.

- Bulletins, worship aids etc. may be distributed.

- The continued use of livestreaming is encouraged for the benefit of the homebound

CELEBRATION OF MASS

- “Parking Lot Masses” and “In Car” reception of the Eucharist” should be discontinued.  

- Pastors are encouraged to invite liturgical ministers to resume their ministry.

- All ministers of Holy Communion should wear masks while distributing the Holy Eucharist.

- Receiving Holy Communion in the hand continues to be strongly encouraged although Holy Communion may be received on the tongue as well.

- The procession for Holy Communion is strongly encouraged at the usual time at Mass.

- The usual procession of ministers to and from sanctuary may resume.

- Music Ministers may return to their usual ministry.

- The collection may be taken up as in the past.

- The presentation of the gifts by the faithful may resume.

- The use of separate chalices for concelebrants and deacons is encouraged for the time being.

- Sharing chalices for the faithful is not permitted at this time.  Holy Communion is to be distributed by the sacred host only.

- The Sign of Peace may resume.

- Greeting people at the church door may resume.

- Washing the sacred vessels with warm water and soap after each Mass should continue.

RECONCILIATION

- Confessionals may be used where there is proper ventilation and space.  Where there is no proper ventilation and space, pastors should arrange an appropriate place for confessions.

- Sanitizer and masks should be available and used by the priest and the penitent.

BAPTISM

- More than one infant may be baptized at the same ceremony.

- The blessing and the pouring of water from a pitcher is recommended.

- Q-Tips may continue to be used for the anointings.

- The baptismal garment may be placed upon the newly baptized.

- Group photos may be taken.

WEDDINGS

- Nuptial Masses may be offered.

- Worship Aides may be utilized.

- Greetings at the door and the Sign of Peace may be exchanged.

- Group photos may be taken.

FUNERALS

- Vigil Services at funeral homes may now resume where previously suspended.

- “Open casket” visitation in church before the Mass is permitted.

- The use of the pall may resume.

PARISH MEETINGS/SOCIALS

- Parish meetings and socials may resume.  Refreshments may be served observing local health protocols.  

IMPLEMENTATION

- Masks and social distancing requirements are lifted except as noted above on Friday 5/28 and these revisions to pandemic protocols as well as full occupancy of churches are to be implemented on Friday 6/4. The dispensation from Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation is lifted except as noted above on 6/5.

Approved by Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.

Bishop of Trenton

May 26, 2021

Feast of St. Philip Neri