Revised Pandemic Practices
Effective 5/29/2021
 

Dear Friends,
 
We are happy to inform you that per the latest CDC guidelines the state of Massachusetts is lifting Covid 19 restrictions. Accordingly, the Diocese of Worcester has modified their recommendations related to the Pandemic.
 
First of all, Bishop McManus has announced that the restoration of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is restored effective 6/6/2021. However, this obligation does not apply to people who may continue to have underlying conditions that could possibly expose them to the virus. 
 
Beginning Saturday May 29^th, the following guidelines go into effect.  

• Masks and social distancing are no longer required of Parishioners who are fully vaccinated. However, per CDC guidelines, anyone not vaccinated, including minors, should continue to wear masks and socially distance. At St. Patrick's for the time being we will use seating in every other pew to accommodate anyone who chooses to socially distance. Hand sanitizers will be available at all entrances and all doors will be available to enter and exit the Church.

• Signing up for mass is no longer required.

• Fonts will be filled with Holy Water for your use. We are also in the process of ordering Hymnals for Parishioners to use during the Mass since singing has been restored. The introduction of choirs, for the time being, is delayed by the Diocese of Worcester. Bulletins will be available in the Church. 

• The Entrance Procession as well as the bringing up of gifts of water and wine is allowed. We will also start using the collection baskets during the Offertory. The Sign of Peace is to be delayed at this time.

• Distribution of Holy Communion will return to its pre-Covid way although the distribution of the Precious Blood will be restored in the fall. All parishioners will be asked to approach the Priest, Deacon or Eucharistic Ministers at the front of the Altar. If you choose to sanitize your hands before receiving Communion, sanitizers will be available at the edge of the front pews.

• Daily Mass will continue to be celebrated for the time being in the Church on Monday & Tuesday mornings at 8:30 AM & Wednesday evening at 4:30 PM. We will continue to Live Stream the 4:30 PM Mass on Saturday as well as the 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM Masses on Sunday. 

We are finally here, where we can begin to worship safely at St. Patricks. We would like to thank everyone for your support and cooperation during the last 18 months of restrictions related to this Pandemic. We have missed seeing you and praying with you. We are looking forward to being together again!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Rectory at 508-234-5656.
 
Gods Peace & Blessings!
 
Fr. Tomasz and St. Patrick's Staff