Updated Protocols for Mass & the Sacraments

Prepared for St. Catherine of Siena Parish from directives approved by the Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, CM, Bishop of Trenton.

Introduction

The bishops of New Jersey have ended the dispensation from the obligation to assist at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation effective June 5-6, 2021, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. The faithful are to return to the practice of participating at weekly celebration of Mass in church. As is always the case, the obligation does not apply to the sick, those with underlying health conditions, and those who remain fearful of COVID-19 transmission.

Effective May 28, 2021, the Governor lifted the mandates requiring the wearing of masks and social distancing. Yet, recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic remains active, wearing a mask is an option for those who wish to do so. The clergy and faithful should use their best judgment to protect their own health and the health of their neighbors. Moreover, those who are not fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a mask. Limits on church capacity to pre-pandemic levels will be lifted on June 4, 2021.

In light of these developments, the protocols regulating the celebration of Mass and Sacraments in effect since June 2020 are greatly modified, if not ended. The following guidance is provided to facilitate an orderly and careful return to parish life. No one is to be refused the sacraments due to vaccination status.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish General Information

• All doors may be utilized for entrance and exit of church.
• Barriers, tape, cords to maintain social distancing are removed.
• St. Catherine’s will maintain the sanitizing of pews and other furnishings until further notice.
• Hand sanitizers will continue to be made available: at the entrance of the Church & the Altar.
• All restrooms will be available.
• Blessed Water will be placed in fonts.
• Pew Missals will be available.
• Bulletins will be distributed.
• Face masks are no longer mandatory but remains an option for those who wish to do so.
• Church and common areas will be sanitized after each Mass.

Celebration of Mass

• Liturgical ministers are invited to resume their ministry.
• All ministers of Holy Communion will 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 (lines in aisle) will resume.
• The usual procession of ministers to and from sanctuary will resume.
• Music Ministers and choirs are invited to return to their usual ministry.
• Ushers will take up collection as in the past.
• The Presentation of the Gifts (bread & wine) by the faithful will resume.
• The use of separate chalices for concelebrants and deacons is maintained.
• Reception of the Precious Blood from the chalice is not permitted at this time.
• Sharing chalices for the faithful is not permitted as Holy Communion will continue to be distributed by the sacred host only.
• The Sign of Peace will resume.
• Greeting people at the church door will resume.
• Washing the sacred vessels with warm water and soap after each Mass will continue.
• Offering envelopes may continue to be placed in a receptacle at the entrance/exit.
• Online giving is encouraged.
• Church and common areas will be sanitized after each Mass.

Mass Schedule

Weekend Masses               St. Catherine of Siena Church

• Saturday Vigil Mass       4:30 PM
• Sunday                             8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM

Weekday Masses
Effective June 14, 2021                 St. Catherine’s Chapel

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00 AM
• First Friday of the Month Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament immediately following the 9:00 AM Mass. Exposition and Benediction at 11:00 AM.
• Miraculous Medal Novena at St. Catherine’s Chapel every Monday immediately following the 9:00 AM Mass.

Mass Schedule for Holy Days of Obligation unless otherwise announced

• 9:00 AM Mass              St. Catherine of Siena Church
• 7:00 PM Mass              St. Catherine of Siena Church

The Sacrament of Penance

Effective June 12, 2021

Saturday     3:30 PM     St. Catherine of Siena Church - Narthex of Parish Hall
                                      Please call for appointment

• Confessionals will not be used for the time being due to the confined space & lack of ventilation.
• Confessions will continue at the Narthex area of the Parish Hall.
• Sanitizer and mask will be available and used by the priest and the penitent.

The Sacrament of Baptism

Schedule Effective June 6, 2021

                                       Please call for appointment

Saturday     11:30 AM     St. Catherine of Siena Church

Sunday       11:30 AM     Within the Mass – at Request

                      1:00 PM    St. Catherine of Siena Church

All Baptisms must be scheduled in advance. Godparents are required to provide Sponsor Certificates before a Baptism date is given. Please call the parish office for detailed information.