UPDATED MASS ATTENDANCE PROTOCOLS
This week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) strongly recommended that in communities with a substantial occurrence of the COVID delta variant all persons, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks at any public indoor setting. With recognition of recent increases in cases of the variant in Suffolk County and the extra protection provided by wearing a mask, effective Saturday, July 31 the Cathedral of the Holy Cross strongly recommends that all persons wear a mask while attending Mass or any activity at the Cathedral. Masks will be available at the entrances of the Cathedral at all Masses and other events.Thank you for your assistance with our efforts to stop the spread of the COVID variant and protect one another and the public health.
As for seating, at the Cathedral we will offer two options: Normal seating (pre-COVID style) or social-distance seating. (Social-distance seating will require those to wear a mask, for the protection of all seated in this area.)
Thank you for your assistance with our efforts to stop the spread of the COVID variant and protect one another and the public health.
Mass Procedures
There is no need to make a reservation for Mass.- Communion will be distributed during Mass.
- The Sign of Peace will be via a bow or wave of the hand.
- Offertory Collection will resume at the usual time. Donations still can be made via online giving thru the parish webpage.
- Daily Mass (Monday-Saturday) will resume in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel as of Monday, May 31, 2021.
Communion Procedures
- The precious blood will not be offered to the congregation.
- The use of personal hand sanitizer before communion is strongly encouraged.
- There will be two communion lines in the center, main aisle.
- If masks are worn in the communion line – After the priest offers you communion please remove your mask, consume the Eucharist, and then re-mask as you return to your pew by the side aisles.
Mass Departure Procedures
- All exits will be utilized during departure.
Church Cleaning Procedures
- We will continue to implement cleanliness and sanitization practices, including cleaning pews once a day.
- Disinfecting bathrooms, door handles, and other frequently touched surfaces occur throughout the week.
- You are reminded to follow CDC recommendations regarding your own health. If you fall into an “at-risk” category, please stay home and join us by Live Stream on Facebook (9:30am Spanish Mass or 11:30am Mass on Sundays) or Catholic TV. The dispensation from the obligation for coming to Sunday Mass has not yet been lifted.
Thank you for your patience and compliance!
