Instruction and Guidelines to follow at St. John Neumann Parish, Strykersville, NY.
The Diocese of Buffalo is issuing new guidelines in response to corona virus (covid-19) concerns.
According to the diocese, the guidance is in stages and could be stepped up if, or when, the situation changes in the country or Western New York.
"I think the first thing we have to do is normalize our emotions and realize it's okay. We all are uncertain. We don't know what the future holds. We fear the unknown. We want to be in control.”
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in place. All who are especially vulnerable or simply uncomfortable attending a public Liturgy are encouraged to remain at home and if possible, view Mass via live streams, which will continue in local parishes.
If you are SICK, stay home and limit your contact with others. Please be concerned about others.
*Never Forget Sanitizer and Mask when you come to Church*
• No Deacon, No Altar server on the Altar. Do not touch anything on the Altar.
• One lector and two Eucharistic ministers are required to help.
• A pianist and cantor are allowed. If congregation does not know hymns, they can remain silent and listen; if known, you may sing with your mask on.
No Hymnal or Missalette will be provided
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Everyone should practice social distancing, in public maintain a minimum of 6 feet from the next person.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
o Stay home when you are sick.
o Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow vs. your hand (you can spread germs when touching items after coughing or sneezing into your hand).
o Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Parishioners should bring and be prepared to wear their own masks and, a bottle of hand sanitizer for use upon entering, before receiving Communion, after receiving Communion, and after exiting the church.
Catholics should plan on restricted seating, a change in the reception of Communion in order to ensure social distancing, and other appropriate measures upon entering and exiting churches.
• You are requested to bring you own sanitizer, wipes and mask when you come to Church. Stay with your mask on throughout the whole Mass
• Sit One Family per pew and occupy left – right corner.—sit in every other pew or socially apart.
• When you come for the communion wear your mask and sanitize your hand, proceed with your family. Keep safe distance between families.
• Eucharistic Ministers are requested to use Mask and Sanitizer too. (one Eucharistic Minister will be at front and one will be at back), please form single line to minister and remember social distancing.
• At conclusion of mass, please wipe down your pew, so it will be ready for the next mass. And exit the Church in a socially distant manner.