DIOCESE OF BELLEVILLE
Dear priests, deacons, retired priests, Oblates of Mary Immaculate, women religious, parish and diocesan staffs,
As we continue to navigate this pandemic, the Diocesan Committee on Reopening Churches greatly appreciates all that parishes continue to do to maintain a safe environment for parishioners to participate in Mass and the liturgies. As we anticipate the beginning of Restore Illinois Phase 5 and changes in guidance regarding Covid-19 protocols, we are providing a brief update below on what we know at this stage. In the meantime, current mitigation efforts--wearing masks, physical distancing, sanitizing and reservations—still remain in place for this weekend June 5-6.
1. Per recent statements from the governor’s office, Phase 5 is expected to go into effect on Friday, June 11. While not certain, the best indications suggest this as the earliest date we will move forward. It is also important to recall that municipal-level decisions, which override state-wide directives, can affect timing and changes in guidance at the local level.
2. Our diocesan guidance will continue to mirror state and local guidance. That being noted:
a. Current expectations are that all capacity restrictions will be lifted. Assuming this scenario holds, we will eliminate the policy of registering for Mass and liturgies effective immediately with Phase 5.
b. We do recommend parishes maintain their reservations system accounts (e.g. SignUpGenius) or document their registration processes in the event we need to resume them to any degree if concerning metrics related to the pandemic warrant such a return.
c. Safety guidelines may remain in place as part of the Phase 5 directive, including some element of physical distancing and the possibility of masking for unvaccinated people.
d. If masks do remain the norm for unvaccinated individuals, effective with Phase 5, parishes will not need to ask for proof of vaccination status of their parishioners but will follow the honor system.
We are sharing what we can reasonably discern based on the information provided, thus far. Understandably, there are many questions to be answered. We will communicate more specific guidance next week as more information regarding Phase 5 becomes available. Again, for this weekend (June 5-6), current protocols remain in place.
We thank you for your patience and for your ongoing efforts to serve the people of God and one another amidst the requirements and challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Peace,
Diocesan Committee on Reopening Churches
DIOCESE OF BELLEVILLE
Dear priests, deacons, retired priests, Oblates of Mary Immaculate, women religious, parish and diocesan staffs,
As we continue to navigate this pandemic, the Diocesan Committee on Reopening Churches greatly appreciates all that parishes continue to do to maintain a safe environment for parishioners to participate in Mass and the liturgies. As we anticipate the beginning of Restore Illinois Phase 5 and changes in guidance regarding Covid-19 protocols, we are providing a brief update below on what we know at this stage. In the meantime, current mitigation efforts--wearing masks, physical distancing, sanitizing and reservations—still remain in place for this weekend June 5-6.
1. Per recent statements from the governor’s office, Phase 5 is expected to go into effect on Friday, June 11. While not certain, the best indications suggest this as the earliest date we will move forward. It is also important to recall that municipal-level decisions, which override state-wide directives, can affect timing and changes in guidance at the local level.
2. Our diocesan guidance will continue to mirror state and local guidance. That being noted:
a. Current expectations are that all capacity restrictions will be lifted. Assuming this scenario holds, we will eliminate the policy of registering for Mass and liturgies effective immediately with Phase 5.
b. We do recommend parishes maintain their reservations system accounts (e.g. SignUpGenius) or document their registration processes in the event we need to resume them to any degree if concerning metrics related to the pandemic warrant such a return.
c. Safety guidelines may remain in place as part of the Phase 5 directive, including some element of physical distancing and the possibility of masking for unvaccinated people.
d. If masks do remain the norm for unvaccinated individuals, effective with Phase 5, parishes will not need to ask for proof of vaccination status of their parishioners but will follow the honor system.
We are sharing what we can reasonably discern based on the information provided, thus far. Understandably, there are many questions to be answered. We will communicate more specific guidance next week as more information regarding Phase 5 becomes available. Again, for this weekend (June 5-6), current protocols remain in place.
We thank you for your patience and for your ongoing efforts to serve the people of God and one another amidst the requirements and challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Peace,
Diocesan Committee on Reopening Churches