DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The Catholic Diocese of Dallas announced on Thursday that in-person mass can resume June 28 at 50% capacity as the church slowly reopens from coronavirus restrictions.
Bishop Edward Burns unveiled phase 3 of the Diocese plan to reopen.
“Taking into consideration the health, well-being and spiritual needs of the Diocese of Dallas, as well as the advice and guidelines presented by civil authorities, I will begin the implementation of Phase Three, said Bishop Burns. “There is currently no scheduled date for Phase Four.”
According to the Bishop, the following requirements apply to all limited gatherings and to the church building itself:
- Gathering and Seating Requirements: Groups at any event may not exceed 50% capacity for church buildings, and all social distancing requirements (six feet of separation) must be strictly followed when individuals are present in church buildings.
- When the Faithful are seated in the church building, pastors will ensure that the Faithful keep at least two empty seats (or six feet of separation) between parties in any row, except when two or more members of the same household sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet of separation) empty on either side. Pastors must ensure that every other row is left empty. Which seats are available and which are closed will need to be indicated with clear signs.
- It is strongly encouraged that those present in a church building wear proper face coverings, following local civil orders where appropriate.
- The church building must be cleaned and disinfected. Pastors must train or have trained all employees and volunteers on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette. Additional protocols for this are forthcoming, but diligent cleaning must occur after every gathering or event.
- All Diocesan Safe Environment protocols remain strictly in place.
- Please see the following guidelines from the Governor’s Office as well as guidelines from respective counties for additional information.
The following are the limited gatherings that may take place. Note that the discretion of the pastor is paramount. The pastor is the best source for determining the practicability of any liturgical celebration or event at a parish. If a liturgical celebration or event cannot maintain the Gathering and Seating Requirements stated above, it may not take place. Moreover, all gatherings occur at the pastor’s discretion. If a pastor does not believe it is possible to reach 50% capacity and maintain proper separation and cleaning requirements, he is to modify the maximum capacity accordingly.
- Sunday Masses may resume on June 28, 2020 at 50% of building capacity. At that time, the pastor is to determine the proper schedule for Sunday Masses, taking into consideration the needs of his community and the need to allow time to sanitize the church between Masses. Sunday Masses and other devotions will continue to be livestreamed. In addition to parishes, the Diocese continues to broadcast live Masses and recorded events on the Diocese of Dallas website and local television. During such Masses, there will be an act of spiritual communion.
- All Catholics of the Diocese of Dallas remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass “on Sundays and other holy days of Obligation” (canon 1247) and remain dispensed until further notice, even after public Sunday Masses begin.
- Saturday Masses, including vigil Masses, may continue at 50% of building capacity. Saturday vigil Masses may continue on June 27, 2020 at 50% of building capacity. The number of Masses celebrated on Saturdays is to be determined by the pastor.
- Public weekday Masses (Monday through Friday) may continue at 50% of building capacity. The number of Masses celebrated on weekdays is to be determined by the pastor.
- Regarding the celebration of Mass:
- If a pastor or other priest feels unable to personally celebrate Mass, priests from other parishes (ideally in his Deanery) can be asked by the Pastor to celebrate Masses where necessary.
- So as to ensure proper capacity, it is strongly encouraged that pastors implement an online sign-up sheet for Masses, the supplying of tickets or a call-in system to account for individuals that intend to attend Mass. It is also advisable, in order to avoid turning away individuals at the door, for pastors to close parking lots, where feasible, when maximum capacity is reached. Pastors know their parishes best, and they are empowered to use appropriate means in ensuring that the maximum capacity and social distancing guidelines are met.
- Members of vulnerable populations are strongly encouraged to not attend Mass at this time. Those who are presenting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should not attend Mass.
- Those attending Mass are strongly encouraged to wear proper face coverings, following local civil orders where appropriate
- Those attending Mass are strongly encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer and sanitize their hands before Mass and before receiving Holy Communion
- Doors are to be left propped open before Mass and opened again at the end of Mass so as to avoid unnecessary touching of door handles
- All hymnals, worships aids and other papers, such as contribution envelopes or visitor cards, must be removed from pews
- Worship aids may only be single-use for each Mass and must be disposed of after Mass before leaving the church
- Holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer is not permitted
- The Sign of Peace remains suspended at this time
- Pastors should rely on their music ministry to make safe decisions regarding singing and production of music for the liturgy
- Cry rooms and nurseries will remain closed
- Holy Water fonts are to remain empty
- The collection basket will not be distributed, and gifts will not be brought up in procession, but collection baskets will remain available at entrances and exits. Individuals are encouraged to donate online if possible.
- Hospitality Ministers should wear proper face coverings during Mass
- Hospitality Ministers will dismiss those in attendance by pew in order to ensure a staggered exit that maintains social distancing
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