Last week, the CDC released new guidance regarding COVID-19 mask wearing and social distancing.  As COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise with the Delta variant, I send this message to you as a form of encouragement and guidance.

1. MASKS:  The CDC recommends that all people wear masks in indoor settings when COVID-19 levels are high.  Unfortunately, Black Hawk County is in the high category.  
   • If you are: (1) unvaccinated; (2) fully vaccinated, but a little uneasy being around others; or (3) fully vaccinated, not worried about your own health but are conscious of other people's health and fears; then you are all encouraged to wear a mask.  
   • While it is not mandatory to wear masks, I do know many people who are apprehensive being around others without masks.  Worship should be available and free from fear for all people.
2. SOCIAL DISTANCING and SEATING AT CHURCH: There will be no new closing of pews or social distancing procedures during this time; however, please be mindful of your neighbor as you are close to each other in the church building.  Your neighbor might be a little apprehensive being too close to others.
3. COMMUNION PROCEDURE and EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:  We have returned to having 4-5 Eucharistic Ministers (including myself) at each weekend Mass.  We will not distribute from the chalice anytime soon.  Current communion practice will continue.
4. MASS ATTENDANCE:  Archbishop Jackels has lifted the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.  This means that Catholics are once again obligated to attend Sunday Mass to fulfill the directive of the Lord to keep holy the sabbath day and to keep holy the day of resurrection.  However, Canon Law does have prescriptions that: if one is sick, if one has health concerns, if one has to care for someone who is health compromised, or if something is outside a person's control which would make it impossible to attend Sunday Mass, then one is not obligated to attend Sunday Mass.

FOR THOSE NOT YET VACCINATED:  We do continue to ask that you wear a mask to church, always keep it on, and socially-distance from those around you.  We want to be able to celebrate Mass and be together wholly once again; therefore, I cannot urge you enough to get yourself vaccinated as soon as possible and I will continue to pray that everyone do so.
God Bless,
Fr. Tony Kruse

PLEASE READ: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC MASS BEGINNING ON MAY 30-31, 2020.
By now, you should have heard that Archbishop Jackels has announced that public Mass can begin to be held on May 30-31.  While this is happy news to be thankful for, in order to gather again for Mass, many changes will be made which will require much sacrifice from each of us.  Please keep in mind that the changes made, and what will be asked of every person, is done so out of love, respect, and for the safety of all.

Mass Attendance is NOT Required:  Even though we have been cleared to gather again for Mass, the Archbishop is continuing the suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.  This means that, if you do not feel safe, if you are worried or anxious, if your health is compromised, if you are at high risk, or for any other reason, you do not have to come to Mass, and if you are not feeling well, please stay home.  You always have the option to attend a weekday Mass in place of a weekend if you feel more comfortable.

All of our Masses will continue to be live-streamed, so you can still take part virtually.  The Spiritual Communion prayer will continue to be read, and to receive communion spiritually is a real and powerful thing. 

For those who choose to attend Mass in person, here is what you can expect at this time:

• Each person attending Mass is asked to wear a mask to church.

• Please do not wear protective gloves to Mass.  Gloves have been proven to do more harm than good when it comes to spreading germs. We ask that instead of gloves, you utilize the hand sanitizer. 

• Enter the church through either side of the Gathering Space.  The doors will be propped open, and a mesh screen will be in place to walk through. 

• Upon entering the church, immediately proceed to one of the four Sanitizing Stations located in the Gathering Space to sanitize hands.  Of course, you can always bring your own from home.

• Due to safety, water fountains will not be used and will be taped off.  You may bring your own water bottle. 

• Do your best to maintain proper social distance upon entering the church, and do not socialize within the Gathering Space.  After sanitizing your hands, immediately proceed into the church to seat yourself at an available pew.  Two ushers are available to assist.

• Baptismal and Holy water fonts will remain empty until further notice.

• The four sections of pews will be marked with signs “A”, “B”, “C,” and “D.” 

• Persons from the same household may sit directly next to one another. 

• Do not sit in the pews that are marked off with blue tape.  Again, this is to maintain appropriate social distancing during Mass. 

• There will be minimal handicap seating and what is available will be spaced six feet apart. 

• All Breaking Bread hymnals and other prayer cards have been removed.  The readings, songs, children's booklets, and prayers are posted weekly on our website to be printed off in advance, should you so desire. 

• There will be no shaking of hands at the beginning of Mass and during the Sign of Peace, and there will be no holding of hands during the Our Father.  All physical contact should be avoided to maintain social distancing and for the health and safety of all.

• At Offertory, there will be no baskets passed.  Instead, you can put your offering in one of the four marked boxes at the back of each section of the church when you come in or when you leave.  Or, this is a great time to utilize online giving options through our website, or sign up for automatic electronic funds transfer (EFT) through Terri in the Parish Office. 

• Communion will be handled as follows: 

1. Father and two other EMs will wear masks and distribute the Host only.  The Precious Blood will not be distributed until further notice. 
2. To err on the side of caution, we ask everyone to receive Communion in the hand only; however, if you want to receive on the tongue, please come to Father.  Each Eucharistic Minister has Father's permission to not give Communion on the tongue if they do not feel comfortable doing so.  Because Communion on the tongue is a little more of a challenge, cross contamination is a stronger possibility with saliva from the recipient getting on the fingers of the Eucharistic Minister.  However, Canon 835, 1st paragraph, of the Code of Canon Law states that the principal dispensers of the mystery of God fall on the diocesan bishop.  Archbishop Jackels has asked that the faithful to receive in the hand only, but has not mandated it.  If it becomes an issue, this procedure is subject to change. 
3. One EM will distribute Communion to those in the handicap seats.
4. Father and the remaining EM will distribute Communion first to Sections A and C.  People will be released by an usher.  Once Sections A and C are complete, Father and the EM will move over to Sections B and D. 
5. There will be no physical touching for any blessing during Communion.

• Father will process both in and out through the St. Mary side of the church, and will not be available in the Gathering Space after Mass. 

• Once Mass is over, please exit the church doing the best you can to maintain a proper social distance.  Don’t forget to wear your mask, utilize the hand sanitizer on your way out, and do not socialize or hang around in the Gathering Space.  Bulletins will be available to pick up on stands next to the doors on your way out. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP: Teams of six people are needed to sanitize the church following each Mass.  Instructions and supplies will be provided.  We ask that you not volunteer if your health is compromised, or if you are at high risk.  If you are not at high risk and feel comfortable to attend Mass, consider helping in this way.  Contact Maggie England this week:  233-6179, or by email:  [email protected].  Thank you!

I know that these are a lot of changes … changes that require much sacrifice from each of us.  Please remember that we are in these unchartered waters together!  We ask for your cooperation, your patience, and your flexibility as we move forward during this time.  We can get through it because we are not alone! Hang in there!

God Bless,
Fr. Tony Kruse

Archdiocese of Dubuque Pandemic Response Plan