Dear Church,
In response to recent concerns over the spread of the Coronavirus, the Archdiocese of Boston has prepared guidelines for parishes to help the faithful take steps which promote the health of all. The focus of the Diocesan response is on prevention, precautions and prayerful accompaniment of all affected by the Coronavirus. The Diocesan guidelines are based on the advice given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the common-sense practices that Saint Patrick Parish communicates annually during flu and cold season.
In addition to Diocesan recommendations, I believe it is best to err on the side of caution. Therefore I ask that the following be implemented immediately at Saint Patrick Parish:
For Individuals:
- Individuals ought to follow common-sense measures to avoid the spread of the Coronavirus.
- Stay home if you are feeling sick or your immune system is compromised. If you are sick or at risk, you are permitted to miss Mass.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often using soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or using the bathroom. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if you do not have access to soap and water.
- Please strongly consider receiving Holy Communion in your hand, rather than on the tongue.
Precautions in our Churches:
- Attention ought to be given to helping those who are at greater risk to avoid contact which might lead to contracting the Coronavirus.
- The sign of the peace is temporarily suspended, after the Our Father, and prayer of peace, the Lamb of God will immediately follow.
- Holy Water Fonts will be temporarily emptied and Holy Water will be provided in a sanitary container that has a spigot so that the faithful can safely access this sacramental.
- We will be vigilant about cleaning and disinfecting door handles and other frequently touched surfaces such as light switches.
- Hand sanitizer will be used by Clergy and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion before and after the distribution of Holy Communion.
— Fr. Mario