Bishop Robert McManus, our Apostolic Administrator, has authorized the following updates to the diocesan Covid directives.
Reception of Holy Communion
Effective immediately, Holy Communion may be distributed to the faithful either on the tongue or in the hand. In both manners special precautions should be maintained so as to avoid direct physical contact with the communicant. Should that occur, the priest, deacon or extraordinary minister of the Eucharist should immediately stop distributing Holy Communion and sanitize their hands.
Those receiving on the tongue should remove their masks just before approaching to receive and place their mask back on immediately afterwards.
Opening churches for private prayer
Churches and chapels may remain open for private prayer for extended hours at the discretion of the pastor/administrator. A cleaning and sanitizing plan should be in place to accommodate this extended opening. Parishes should also be mindful of recent instances of vandalism targeting Catholic churches.