Guidelines for the Archdiocese of New Orleans as we slowly return to Mass

Here's the deal and please read this carefully.  Below are the guidelines the Archbishop has shared with all the parishes throughout the Archdiocese.  Before I decided to list these on my own blog site, I did a quick search and have now found these guidelines published, quite publicly on at least 24 parish websites; all very public websites.  Many local Catholics are hearing so much bunk, rumors mostly, that we have no idea what everyone believes.  As member parishes of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, our chief shepherd is Archbishop Aymond.  Before you start packing up to run to Mass, please review all of this carefully:

1. The people of the Archdiocese are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.

2. If someone is vulnerable and not feeling well, they should not celebrate Mass in church with other people.

3. Attendance at Mass: The number of people who can gather in the church is not to exceed 10 people. This applies also to Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. This number will increase gradually.

4. For those who feel obliged to fulfill the Sunday obligation, a weekday Mass could accomplish this.

5. Additional Vigil Masses, Sunday and weekday Masses may be added to accommodate more people.

6. Either by computer, or by phone, people could make reservations to attend a specific Mass. More information on this soon.

7. An usher must make certain the 10-person rule is observed.

8. A specific Mass could be designated for the elderly who are in good health.

9. The church should be sanitized after each service.

10. Family members may sit in the same pew.

11. Social distancing must be observed – 6 feet apart. (This may necessitate roping off pews or putting markers for people to sit.) Six feet apart applies to the communion line as well.

12. Make sure all ministers observe proper hygiene of their hands.

13. Regarding the celebration of Mass: 
a. Ministers and parishioners should wear a mask.
b.  The priest/deacons should wear a mask at communion.
c.   Give communion with no bodily contact.    
d.   Communion on the tongue is not encouraged.
 e.  The chalice with the precious blood is not to be offered
 f.   The sign of peace can be given by bowing to the other person.
 g.  As people depart from Mass, social distancing must be observed.


So let's summarize.  For now we can have 10 people in church wearing masks and spread out.  After May 15th, provided we achieve Phase 1 approval, we can have 25% of capacity in church.  For St. Jane, that's about 75 people, all wearing masks.  In other words, mass as we know it; full church, singing, the whole deal, not in the immediate future. Communion will have to be very deliberate.  As you can see from the list above there should not be bodily contact with distribution of Holy Communion.  Placing the consecrated host in the hand usually results in bodily contact about 75% of the time, placed in the mouth, only about 25% of the time, but, it is incredibly wet.  These are my experiences only; I'm not speaking for any other person.

In my business life I teach my staff to set expectations for the customer.  That's all I'm trying to do right now, set some expectations.  Sure, it will be hard and frustrating but oh so worth it.  Because gradually then eventually, we will all be together again, worshiping God, hearing the Word, receiving Jesus in Holy Communion.  For now, pray more, moan and groan less, much less, and ask yourself, am I still growing in holiness or am I giving in to sin.  Remember, the Bishops and our Priests are doing the best they can in a difficult situation.