Please Read: Parishioner Notice of Reopening
Great news! Archbishop Pérez has announced that parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be able to resume public Masses the weekend of June 6 and 7. We at St. Isaac Jogues Parish look forward to welcoming you back! Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we make our way back to the in person celebration of the Mass.
While our county remains in the Yellow Phase of statewide reopening, all of us need to do our part to make sure that our return to Mass is a peaceful and safe experience for all. Please take the time to read the instructions below. We ask everyone to follow these guidelines when attending Mass during this period:
GENERAL POINTS
The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation continues to be lifted during the Yellow Phase. You are not required to attend Mass at this time.
Please stay home if you are sick.
Please stay home if you are at higher risk of severe illness with COVID19. If you are uncertain about your risk status, please consult your doctor and also the CDC Guidelines. Click here to read the CDC Guidelines for those at higher risk.
Mass will continue to be available pre-recorded.
MASS SCHEDULE
Our Mass Schedule will not change.
BEFORE COMING TO MASS
Please wash your hands for 20 seconds using soap and water.
Before entering the Church, please put on a face mask or cloth covering. Exceptions to this are “children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, and anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance” (CDC Guidelines).
Please do not come to Mass if you are sick or are at higher risk for severe illness with COVID19 (see above).
Missalettes will not be in the pews during this period. You are welcome to bring your own missal/readings with you.
ENTERING THE CHURCH
Hand sanitizers will be available at the Church entrances. Please use the hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the Church.
SEATING
When taking your seat, please follow ushers’ instructions about where you may sit.
Every other pew will be open to ensure proper social distancing.
Members of the same household may sit together as normal.
Please try to place 6 feet between your household and members of a different household.
DURING MASS
Singing will be limited.
The collection will be taken using long handled collection baskets.
There will be no Sign of Peace during Mass during the Yellow Phase.
There should be no holding of hands during the Our Father.
RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION
There will be the usual lines; however, the center aisle will only have one line instead of two.
Please maintain social distancing in the Communion line. Please keep several pews between yourself and the person in front of you while in line and when returning to your pew.
During the Yellow Phase, the faithful are asked to receive Holy Communion in the hand. If you choose to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, please wait until the end of the line in the middle aisle and receive from the priest. If you receive Holy Communion in your hand, please hold your hand steadily while communion is placed in your hand.
Just before receiving communion while in line, detach the mask from one side of your face. Receive Holy Communion and then place the mask back on your face.
EXITING THE CHURCH
At the conclusion of Mass, please exit the Church and proceed directly to your car. Please do not congregate for any reason.
The Priest will not greet parishioners in the back of Church.
Please take a parish bulletin home with you.
Please leave your mask on until you exit the Church.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
St. Isaac Jogues Parish will follow the guidelines from the CDC for sanitation as we resume public Masses.
Between each Mass, the pews will be cleaned. If you would be willing to help with cleaning the pews, please stay after Mass and meet with Pam Kay. After the 5:00pm on Sunday, please meet with Joe Aquilante.
We look forward to welcoming you back!
To download or print, please click here.
From the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: Returning to Mass Instructional Video for the Faithful (below). Click here for additional resources from the Archdiocese.
