The Lord be with you

St. John the Evangelish Parish is a Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Boston serving Townsend and Ashby

CHURCHES ARE OPEN (WITH RESTRICTIONS)

Phase 3 opening guidelines are in place and allow churches to be open at a 50% capacity.

Those in vulnerable populations are highly encouraged to stay home and participate via Catholic TV: http://www.catholictv.org/ We would love to see you but value your health and safety first and foremost. Dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass has been extended by Cardinal Sean until further notice.

Protocols for arriving & entering the church.

• Do not attend in person if you are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. (visit http://www.catholictv.org for online masses)

• Masks are required (except for children 5 years and under or those with medical exemptions) at all times... in line and in church.

• Please practice social distancing of 6 feet while in line and sitting in pews.

• Everyone must enter through the front doors ONLY of the church and exit out the side and front doors.

• Pews have been marked for social distancing.

• Members of the same household are permitted to sit together and are not required to follow the 6-foot distancing rule.

• Ushers will be present to assist.

PROTOCOLS DURING CELEBRATION OF MASS

• There is no congregational singing at this time.

• Baskets will not be passed at the Offertory. Your offering may be placed in a designated receptacle as you enter or exit the church. We encourage online giving.

• There will be no handholding during the Our Father or hand-shaking during the Sign of Peace.

PROTOCOLS FOR RECEIVING COMMUNION

• Please remain seated until the ushers direct the communion line pew by pew, starting at the front of the church.

• Directional tape has been placed on the center aisle floor to help maintain social distancing.

• Approach the Priest via a single line. Communicants will receive the consecrated host in their hands, step to the side, lower their masks, consume the host, replace their mask, and return to their seat/pew via the side aisles.

PROTOCOLS TO FOLLOW FOR DISMISSAL

• Please remain seated until the final blessing.

• Exit the church as directed by usher(s).

• Keep masks on until you arrive at your car.

Note: Every person who attends a Sunday Mass or Funeral at St John /OLOG has the opportunity to put their name and contact information on a list to be notified if there is a positive COVID test of a person who also attended that Mass.

Attendees may call or email contact information to the parish office. Further, information about any such case will be posted on the parish websites: ourladyofgracema.org; townsendcatholic.org