COVID-19 UPDATES FOR OUR PARISH

          The celebration of the sacraments, with a congregation, has now resumed.  We have resumed the regular scheduled weekday and Weekend Mass times In keeping with the directives issued by Cardinal DiNardo, and in accordance with national, state and local mandates, St. Hyacinth has resumed liturgical celebrations in the following manner:

• Dispensation from Sunday obligation to attend in person is extended until further notice, especially with respect to people who may be considered physically well to attend yet believe it best to stay at home. 

• The at-risk populations are encouraged to continue participating by tuning in to the YouTube livestreamed Mass on our parish website Sthyacinth.org, from their homes and avoid attending Mass in person. At-risk population is defined as those who are 65 years or older, those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; or weakened immune system. 
   

• Parishioners are asked to take their temperatures before coming to Mass and should not attend, if exhibiting any signs of illness or an elevated body temperature. 

• In order to accommodate social distancing protocols, and to abide by Phase One state regulations, no more than 50% of the mandated fire code seating capacity of the building is allowed. Therefore, each Mass at St. Hyacinth will be limited to no more than 200 people. 

• Church doors will be open for 15 minutes before Mass is to begin. Church doors will open Saturday 4:45 pm, Sunday 7:45 am, 9:45 am and 11:45 am. Please stay in your cars until the doors are open for the Church. 

• The Church Narthex will serve as the ONLY entrance to the Church. Enter Narthex doors from either the Center Street parking lot or the P street parking lot. 

• Parishioners are required to wear masks, upon entering the church and throughout the celebration of the Mass. 

• For the safety of all, the Holy Water fonts and Holy Water tank will remain empty, the exchange of the Sign of Peace, the distribution of the Precious Blood and the offertory procession will be omitted and missalettes and hymnals will not be available. 

• Parishioners should be careful not to gather too closely when entering or leaving the church. 

• Hand sanitizers will be available and easily visible at the church entrances.

• Social distancing will be practiced and enforced.

• Parishioners will be seated in every other pew. 

• Those of the same household can be seated in the same pew. 

• Priests and Deacons will wear masks during the distribution of Holy Communion. 

• The congregation will remain in their pews for the distribution of Holy Communion, which prevents the formation of a Communion line.

• For health and safety reasons, parishioners are asked to receive Holy Communion in the hand. 

• The church will be closed for sanitation between Masses. Pews and bathrooms will be sanitized thoroughly between Masses.