COVID Mask Mandate & Philadelphia Churches

Posted on by holycross_admin

 

UPDATE ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRED LITURGY
OFFICE FOR DIVINE WORSHIP
ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2021
The celebration of the Sacred Liturgy—the praise and worship of God by his people—is the greatest work
of the Church carried out in all the parishes and institutions throughout the Archdiocese. At the same time,
it is important that reasonable measures are observed on the part of all to mitigate continually the spread
of COVID-19.
  • As already widely communicated , the obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Mass in person
    is restored effective this Sunday, August 15, 2021. Those who are sick, have a health risk, or are a
    primary caregiver, are excused from this obligation.
  • The celebration of Holy Mass and all the Sacraments are to be carried out according to what is
    described in the liturgical books. For Mass, however, in all circumstances:

    • The Invitation and the use of the Sign of Peace continue to be suspended until further
      notice. Alternate signs of peace should not be arbitrarily introduced.
    • The distribution of the Precious Blood continues to be suspended until further notice.
    • Priest concelebrants and assisting deacons receive the Blood of Christ typically by
      intinction until further notice.
  • For the parishes and institutions in the City of Philadelphia, the August 12, 2021, Mask Mandate for
    the City of Philadelphia applies in the following ways:

    • People are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering/mask, whether vaccinated or not,
      in the body of the church. There are to be no vaccination check points and congregants
      will not be asked to provide proof of vaccination.
    • The priest, deacon, and liturgical ministers are not to wear a face covering or mask in the
      sanctuary.
    • If a face covering or mask is worn, it is to be removed before the reception of the Body of
      Christ at the Communion of the Mass.
Thank you so very much for your generous assistance in observing these directives. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at fr.dgill@archphila.org.
–
In Christ,
Father Dennis Gill
Director, Office for Divine Worship

Click for original letter from Archdiocese: Coronavirus-Mask-Mandate-and-Philadelphia-Churches-Aug.-13