Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Updated Thursday, May 21, 2020

Liturgical Guidelines for Masses Celebrated during the Reopening of Masses with a Congregation

These Liturgical Guidelines are intended to assist priests and faithful in their reverent and joyful celebration of Holy Mass, while maintaining the health and safety precautions counseled by the provincial health authority. Neither the priest nor his parishioners are immune from the COVID-19 virus while celebrating the Eucharist. It is by carefully observing the directives and precautions outlined in this document that the reopening of public Masses can prudently take place, so that we can return safely to the celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice.

Respect for directives outlined in the Guidelines for the Reopening of Masses with a Congregation is presumed.

I. General Principles

1. Because time spent in proximity to other persons increases the risk of transmission of COVID-19, priests should consider using the legitimate options given in the Roman Missal to shorten the length of Mass.
2. Sunday Mass can only be offered beginning at 4 pm on Saturday through Midnight on Sunday. A weekday Mass may not be celebrated or presented as replacing the Sunday Liturgy.
3. Considerations to bear in mind for shortening Mass: announcements can be eliminated or kept brief; the celebrant can enter from the sacristy rather than in a procession; if a cantor is used, sing only one verse of a song; use a shorter Penitential Act; prefer the shorter version of readings when an option is available; preach a brief homily; limit the number of the general intercessions; exit directly to the sacristy; purify the sacred vessels after Mass.
4. The Liturgy of the Word with Children should not be offered until further notice.

II. Preparation before Mass

1. The priest and all ministers present in the sacristy should wash their hands thoroughly before Mass begins.
2. If the priest greets his parishioners before Mass, he must observe physical distancing and should consider wearing a mask or face covering.
3. For the presidential prayers, place the Roman Missal on the altar or on a stand at the chair to avoid having a server or deacon hold it.

Wearing Masks and Gloves

4. The priest celebrant and other ministers must not wear masks or gloves during the celebration of Holy Mass. Moreover, during the entire celebration, they should remain at least two metres distant from one another and the congregation, except during Communion, which is described below.

III. Celebration of Mass

Music

1. While music is integral to the Sacred Liturgy, as we return to Mass in limited numbers, congregational singing should be kept to a minimum.
2. Health experts indicate that singing produces 6-10x more droplets from our mouths than recitation.
3. Because many of the faithful will be wearing masks, singing on the part of the assembly would probably be ineffective.
4. If a choir is present, it should be kept as small as possible, with each member spaced at least two metres apart. In many cases, a single cantor might suffice. The number of choir members is counted toward the 50-person maximum allowed in the church at any one time.
5. When worship aids for singing are produced, use them for only one Mass and then dispose of them, in order to avoid any possible contamination.
6. If the choir sings from a loft, it must be included in the cleaning and disinfecting procedures after Mass. Musicians should be responsible for cleaning organ/piano keys in the safest way possible for the instrument.

Introductory Rites

7. If there is an Entrance Procession, the priest and all ministers should be single file and keep two metres apart from one another and from anyone sitting in the pews.
8. The priest and deacon, if present, approach the altar and venerate it with a profound bow, not touching it at all.

Liturgy of the Word

9. When the faithful make the Sign of the Cross at the beginning of the Gospel, they should avoid touching their lips.
10. At the conclusion of the Gospel, the Book of the Gospels should be reverenced but not directly “kissed” by the celebrant.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

11. The Offertory Procession is to be omitted.
12. The wine and the water, the bowl and the towel are placed on the altar to the right of the priest. At the Offertory the priest or deacon pours the wine and water into the chalice(s) without the help of a server.
13. The hosts to be consecrated for the faithful should be placed in a covered ciborium on a second corporal towards the side of the altar. This allows the celebrant to say the words of Consecration directly over the host he will consume, with the other hosts not directly in front of him as he offers the Eucharistic Prayer. Any additional chalice should likewise be placed on the second corporal, with a purificator for each chalice.
14. The lavabo should be done by the priest alone, without assistance, at the side of the altar itself.
15. The Sign of Peace is to be omitted.
16. At the Doxology, the priest alone elevates the chalice and paten.

Communion of the Priest(s) and Deacon

17. Only the principal celebrant should drink from the main chalice.
18. When there is one or more concelebrants or a deacon, then each one receives the Precious Blood from his own chalice. The principal celebrant gives the Host to the deacon in the usual way. Each priest and deacon purifies his own chalice.

IV. Holy Communion of the Faithful

1. Before Mass, and again at the time of Communion, the priest should explain when and how Communion will be distributed to the faithful. Instruction should include the requirement to remove their mask or face coverings and, unless underlying concerns suggest otherwise, to remove gloves as well. Gloves should be left in the place occupied in the pew. At the end of Mass, they must deposit the gloves in a container for that purpose.
2. Reception of the Precious Blood by the faithful is suspended at this time; nor should they receive by intinction.
3. For celiacs, a separate small chalice can be prepared and placed on the second corporal. The amount of wine used must be small enough for the communicant to drink it entirely.
4. Communion should ordinarily be distributed by the priest(s) and deacon; it must never be “self-administered.” When necessary, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion should be trained regarding the special procedures to be used during this phase of reopening.
5. If a priest has underlying health conditions (although not sick) or is otherwise unable, he should have an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion distribute in his place.
6. The faithful have the right to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue.[1]
7. Receiving Communion on the tongue could cause concern for some ministers and for parishioners who are following in line; some are afraid that droplets are spread to the minister and then to them in this way. To address this fear the priest might ask those receiving on the tongue to receive last or he might designate a specific minister for them. Moreover, it is recommended that the minister purify his fingers and use hand sanitizer after each person who receives on the tongue.
8. Regardless of the manner of distribution, the priest or minister is to wash or sanitize his hands immediately before distributing Communion.
9. The priest or minister must not wear gloves for distributing Communion, but he should wear a mask or face covering when he distributes Communion after Mass.
10. A small table should be placed at each Communion station, with an unfolded corporal, purificator, ablution cup and hand sanitizer. An ablution cup and hand sanitizer should also be placed at the Tabernacle.

Reception of Holy Communion within Mass

11. In coming forward to receive Communion, physical distancing in single file must be maintained in the procession, though members of the same household need not do so.
12. As far as possible, all aisles should be only for one-way traffic.
13. It is recommended that the dialogue between the minister and the communicant take place with two metres separating them. The communicant bows to the minister, who says, “The Body of Christ,” to which the response “Amen” is given. The communicant then steps forward to receive Communion in the usual way.
14. The minister should take special care not to touch the faithful in any way (hand, tongue, etc.). If the minister senses that his fingers have touched the communicant or that the communicant’s hands have touched him, he should pause, place the ciborium on the corporal, purify his fingers in the ablution cup and then use hand sanitizer. The ablution cup should be cleansed after each Mass. The minister should repeat this process as often as he judges necessary during the distribution of Communion. It is not necessary, however, for the minister to use the ablution cup and hand sanitizer between each communicant, unless he makes actual physical contact.

Reception of Holy Communion after Mass

15. It is permissible that the distribution of Communion take place at the conclusion of Mass. This practice allows for easier observance of health and safety precautions, such as wearing a mask or face covering. It also permits the priest to remove his chasuble for the distribution of Communion, given that it is difficult to launder if anyone should sneeze or cough on him.
16. After the Final Blessing and the Dismissal in the usual way, the priest and deacon (if present) remain in the sanctuary.
17. At the chair, the priest removes his chasuble and the deacon removes his dalmatic.
18. Vested in alb and stole, the priest should use hand sanitizer immediately before approaching the Tabernacle. He may also don his own mask or face covering, while reminding the communicants to remove theirs.
19. Upon returning to the altar, the priest holds up a single Host, and says: “Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” He then leads the people in saying: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.”
20. The priest, and other ministers, if present, proceed to the place prepared for distribution of Communion.
21. In coming forward to receive Communion, physical distancing in single file must be maintained in the procession, though members of the same household need not do so.
22. It is recommended that the dialogue between the minister and the communicant take place with two metres separating them. The communicant bows to the minister, who says, “The Body of Christ,” to which the response “Amen” is given. The communicant then steps forward to receive Communion in the usual way.
23. The minister should take special care not to touch the faithful in any way (hand, tongue, etc.). If the minister senses that his fingers have touched the communicant or that the communicant’s hands have touched him, he should pause, place the ciborium on the corporal, purify his fingers in the ablution cup and then use hand sanitizer. A purificator should also be available. The ablution cup should be cleansed after each Mass.
24. After distributing Communion, the priest returns the remaining Hosts to the Tabernacle, sanitizes his hands, and returns to the sacristy.
25. After receiving Communion and after a suitable time of personal prayer, the faithful depart on their own, while observing physical distancing.

V. Dismissal and Recessional

1. After the Dismissal, the ministers recess in single file, and the faithful depart maintaining a two-metre physical distance.
2. If the priest greets people following Mass, he must observe physical distancing and should consider wearing a mask.
3. All vessels are to be thoroughly purified and cleaned with soap and hot water.

[1] See Statement of the Thomistic Institute.

Updated Friday, May 15, 2020

Guidelines for the Reopening of Masses with a Congregation

The COVID-19 pandemic still presents a serious threat to physical health. Our provincial authorities, therefore, continue to discourage unnecessary activities outside the home; to call for physical distancing, frequent handwashing and appropriate use of masks; and to limit all public gatherings to no more than 50. At the same time, for us Catholics access to the Eucharist and the Church’s full sacramental life is of the utmost importance to our spiritual well-being. For this reason, we are preparing to reopen our churches, in a limited way, for celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.

In order to prepare for the initial reopening of Masses with a congregation, these Guidelines have been prepared for the parishes in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. They are intended to assist pastors and parishioners in preparing for the public celebration of the Eucharist, giving lead-up time for consultation and planning with the Parish Pastoral Council (via Zoom), the recruitment of volunteers, the purchase of necessary products, etc. The Guidelines will remain in force until further notice or changes by the Province allow for or require revision. They are not intended to be permanent, but are a temporary response to the current coronavirus pandemic. In the meantime, we must accept that resumption of public Mass does not mean a return to how we previously celebrated the Eucharist in our churches.

Liturgical Guidelines for the celebration of the Eucharist in the initial phase of reopening of Masses to the public is published in a second document.

I. General Principles

1. The decision when to reopen for Masses with a congregation, no sooner than Saturday/Sunday, May 23/24, is left to the pastor’s prudential judgment, due to the different circumstances of each parish. One parish may be unable to offer the same opportunities for Mass as a neighboring parish due to size, space limitations, underlying health condition of the pastor, etc.
2. After consultation with his Parish Pastoral Council and others concerned regarding Mass scheduling, cleaning, etc., the pastor will be responsible for the final decisions regarding the implementation of these Guidelines in his parish.
3. If a parish is unable for practical or other reasons to maintain strict physical distancing and perform the cleaning requirements as indicated in these Guidelines, the pastor must not resume Masses with a congregation or must limit them only to those for which he can follow these Guidelines.
4. Even though other parish activities are not governed by these Guidelines, they must always observe the directives of the provincial health authority, especially regarding physical distancing and sanitizing.
5. Social gatherings before or after Mass (including coffee and donuts) should not take place at this phase of reopening.
6. All the faithful in the Archdiocese of Vancouver remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass during this initial reopening phase. Furthermore, they are not required to attend a weekday Mass in place of the Sunday Liturgy.
7. All those attending Mass do so at their own risk. It is important for individuals and families to take responsibility for protecting themselves and others.

• The following must stay home for the sake of the wider community:
  • People with COVID-19 or who live with someone with COVID-19.
  • People who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • The sick, including those with even the slightest symptoms or feelings of sickness, especially if with upper respiratory or flu-like symptoms.
  • Those who have recently travelled outside of Canada.
• The following are encouraged to stay home for the sake of the wider community:
  • People who live with someone with upper respiratory or flu-like symptoms.
  • People, especially the elderly, with underlying or compromised medical conditions.
  • Family members who live with elderly people or those who are at risk

8. A priest with a respiratory infection of any kind must not celebrate Mass publicly or administer the Sacraments. The same holds for other ministers who might serve at Mass (deacon, servers, lectors, choir, etc).
9. Masses may be scheduled with greater frequency, to allow for a greater variety of times available. Before increasing the number of Masses, it is advisable first to determine the number of parishioners who desire to attend Mass in person. In keeping with canon 9052, all priests have permission to celebrate the Eucharist twice on weekdays and three times on Sundays. A “day” consists of 24 continuous hours beginning at midnight (cf. canon 202). The Saturday Vigil Mass does not therefore “count” as one of the three Masses permitted on Sunday. Celebrating any additional Masses requires the permission of the Archbishop.
10. If Mass is celebrated outside the church or is livestreamed on the parish campus, it should be in another suitable building (e.g., church, parish hall, school gym) that can be appropriately sanitized and other safety precautions can be observed.
11. If possible, livestreaming of Masses from parishes should continue as long as the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in force.
12. Resuming public Masses should take place in strict accord with all the health directives promulgated by the Province’s health authorities regarding the number of people allowed at a gathering. The maximum number of 50 currently permitted includes the priest, liturgical ministers, musicians, livestream videographers and anyone else present during Mass.

II. Preparing Parishioners for Reopening

Communication

1. Pastors, in consultation with their Parish Pastoral Councils, parish staff and others concerned, must communicate clearly and effectively with their parishioners about their plans for when and how they will be resuming public Masses. Specifically, the communication must cover these areas:

• How the parish will determine the 50-person maximum to attend a given Mass.
• How the parish will ensure physical distancing.
• The measures the parish will take to ensure proper sanitation.

2. The Mass schedule, if altered to allow more time between Masses for cleaning or to provide for additional Masses, should be published and the revised schedule sent to the Vicar General.

Determining the 50-Person Maximum

3. Parishioners will sign up to attend a specific Mass at a specific time on a regular basis. At the outset, priority should be given to the Elect, candidates for full communion, and those who assisted these groups. Aside from people with special needs, preferential treatment should be avoided. Among the possibilities for assigning parishioners are a rotation based on the first letter of last names; an online ticketing system; or the formation of fixed “community Mass groups.”
4. Whatever method is used, a database record of the contact information of those who attend each Mass should be retained so that, in the case of an individual who tests positive for COVID-19, the parish will be able to assist public health officials with tracing by contacting everyone who may have been exposed.
5. A sign-up system is the simplest and recommended method for parishes to solicit the names of parishioners who wish to attend a regular Sunday Mass or Mass during the week. Depending on the method of sign-up chosen, the parishioners should be able to choose the Mass they prefer to attend insofar as this is possible.
6. Each “community Mass group” is assigned a regular Mass time on Sunday or a weekday. They may not attend at another time; nor should they sign up for more than one time until the cycle is ready to be repeated (which might be every one, two or three weeks depending on the number of parishioners). Multiple and easily accessible ways of sign-up should be employed. For example, through a combination of methods including online sign-ups, written sign-ups, email, and phone calls.
7. A “first-come, first-served” system, as well as exclusively online or email sign-up systems, should be avoided since restriction to these methods might exclude many who otherwise would wish to attend.

Volunteers

8. Many of a parish’s most committed volunteers are particularly susceptible to the COVID-19 virus because of their age and other pre-existing health conditions. We have a “duty of care” to protect them from all undue harm.
9. Some parishes may be able to establish an early morning weekday Mass for older parishioners who insist on attending.
10. It is advisable to contact the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and others to let them know that it is understandable if they would like temporarily to withdraw from their ministry during the time of the pandemic.
11. The responsibilities of ushers and greeters will actually increase at this time. Such volunteers are the first point of contact for arriving parishioners. They need to be masked, identified by badges or other means, and able to interact with the faithful while still maintaining physical distancing. They should have to have a copy of a “check list” or other way of confirming that those arriving have signed up and that their contact information is available. Usher/greeters should offer hand-sanitizer (Spraying or squirting the disinfectant into people’s hands). In some parishes, they may have to watch over an offering basket. They are also be responsible for pointing out available pews.

Physical Distancing

12. Except for members of the same household, physical distancing is to be observed everywhere on the church property (in the church, on the steps, in the parking lot, etc.); that is, close contact with those outside one’s household must not be within two metres of another person.
13. People are not to gather in the vestibule or near the doors of the church before or after Mass. If the priest wishes to greet parishioners after Mass, physical distancing must be maintained and wearing a face mask should be considered.

Use of Masks

14. Use of face masks/coverings by parishioners at Mass and around the church is left to individual discretion, following the recommendations of provincial health authorities.
15. Consider having masks available for parishioners to be able to offer one to those who would like one.

III. Preparing the Church Building for Reopening

Signage

16. Signs should be placed on church doors to indicate the Mass schedule and provide a telephone number and email address for people wanting to attend Mass following the method determined by the pastor.
17. Physical distancing guidelines should be posted on the church doors and, if appropriate, elsewhere inside the church.

Entrances and Exits

18. At least one entrance should be open and accessible to the handicapped. If more than one entrance is open, care must be taken to control the overall number of people entering and to provide for their proper sanitation.
19. When possible, entrance and exit doors should be propped open as people enter/exit, so that the faithful need not touch the handles or doors to enter or exit.
20. When possible, multiple exits should be used at the end of Mass to expedite departure and minimize chances of people encountering one another.
21. Ushers stationed at the church entrance can monitor those who enter, reminding them of the requirement for physical distancing of two metres and for sanitizing their hands. Members of a single household may enter and exit together, since they do not need to practice physical distancing with each other.
22. Once the maximum of 50 persons in the church is reached, no one else may enter. People who simply show up for Mass must be turned away at the entrance. When capacity is reached, they may be directed to an overflow space, if one is available. Parishioners should also be provided with a way to contact the parish, so that they can make the necessary arrangements to be included at a future Mass.

Seating

23. Restrict seating to every second or third pew (or row of seats) to maintain physical distancing. Seats which can be used should be clearly marked. Rows may be conveniently closed off with painter’s tape, which will not mar the pews. In a large church some sections might be cordoned off to reduce the need for sanitizing everywhere.
24. The pews not used at the previous Mass could be the ones available for the following Mass, if possible.

Use of Restrooms and Cry Rooms

25. Because of the need for sanitizing, it is recommended that restrooms be closed; one may be made available for an emergency.
26. Parish cry rooms may be closed or restricted to one family. They may be used only if proper circulation can be assured, and they will need to be carefully cleaned after use.

Cleaning and Sanitizing/Disinfecting

27. An adequate stock of hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies, including disposable gloves for cleaners, should be readily available at the time of reopening.
28. Hand sanitizing should take place near the entrance to the church for those coming to Mass. A bottle of sanitizer, touched by many, should not be used. Instead, use an automatic dispenser or have an usher/greeter wearing a mask spray the hands of those entering.
29. Volunteers or others who are not vulnerable because of age or health conditions must clean and sanitize the pews and other commonly touched surfaces, as well as restrooms, immediately after every Mass.

Materials

30. Individual bulletins should not be distributed at Mass, unless they are handed out individually by a glove-wearing usher/greeter, who is masked and remains at arm’s length.
31. All paper and other loose printed items should be removed from the foyer.
32. All hymnals, missals, pew cards, and other loose items in the pews must be removed, in order to facilitate cleaning.
33. Collection baskets must not be passed from person to person in the pews. Long-handled collection baskets may be used, if the usher can maintain the required physical distancing. Other “collection points” such as boxes under the supervision of an usher/greeter may be provided for the for the faithful where they can deposit their offerings.

Other Considerations

34. Holy Water and Baptismal fonts remain empty.
35. In areas where the faithful might stand in line (for example, waiting to receive Holy Communion), it is helpful place tape on the floor to indicate proper two-metre spacing between persons.

Confession

• All communal penitential services are to be cancelled.
• Provision is to be made for the Sacrament of Reconciliation to be available to all who seek it, taking into account the following considerations:
  • Confessionals should not be used at this time, for health reasons;
  • Confessions should be heard in a room large enough to allow at least a two-metre distance between priest and penitent, but without being overheard. Provision should also be made (a portable screen or other means) for those who wish to confess anonymously. This may require playing chant or other music in the background. I count on you to find other creative ways to make it possible for the faithful to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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