• Oct. 30 Guidelines from the Bishop

  Saturday  at 5:00 PM Sunday  at 8:30 and 11:00 AM Weekday mass times:  Monday - Wednesday at 5:30 PM Thursday - Friday at 12:15 PM From Bishop Hurley:   October 30, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I thank you for your sustained concern for the well-being of all who enter our churches during this pandemic, which has continued far beyond what anyone could have anticipated, and I suspect will continue for the near foreseeable future. You continue to make great sacrifices and remain flexible with the ever-changing situation, and I am grateful. Out of charity for one another, we must not slow down in our safety practices or become weary with these measures, as out of the ordinary as they may be. With Advent and Christmas approaching, it is critical that we remain diligent in safeguarding those in our parishes to the extent that we are able. While it is possible to feel weighed down with such safety considerations, I find it helpful to remember that physical health and spiritual vitality are both of great consequence. I remain grateful for your concern for the physical well-being of your people, as well as the matters of eternal significance. It is my hope that we can keep everyone safe, and at the same time, continue to prioritize their spiritual care and direction during these times when it is needed most. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Walter A. Hurley Apostolic Administrator DATE: October 30, 2020 TO: Priests, Pastoral Administrators, Deacons, Seminarians, Diocesan Staff FROM: Karina Bak, Director of Human Resources RE: Updated Guidelines for Non-Liturgical Parish Activities On Thursday, October 29, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services issued an updated Epidemic Order that impacts all regions in the State of Michigan. The following updates to our earlier guidelines for nonliturgical parish activities (Oct. 1) are effective immediately. These modifications to earlier guidelines can be found in red text for quick reference: 1. Social distancing (six feet) must be practiced. 2. Facial coverings are required to be worn by all. If masks are not worn, these parish activities should not take place. 3. Regular venue sanitization protocols must be continued. 4. The following indoor capacity restrictions must be maintained in all parishes in the diocese:    A. Indoor events of fewer than 500:        • In venues with fixed seating, limit attendance to 20% seating capacity.        • In venues without fixed seating, no more than 50 people should be gathered and           attendance is limited to 20 people per 1,000 sq. ft. of each room within the           venue space.    B. Indoor events of 500 or more are not permitted.    C. Only six people are permitted at each table for indoor gatherings. 5. The following outdoor capacity restrictions must be maintained in all parishes in the diocese:    A. Outdoor events of fewer than 1,000:        • In a venue with fixed seating, limit attendance to 30% seating capacity.        • In venues without fixed seating, limit attendance to no more than 30 people per           1,000 sq. ft. of any distinct area within the event space.    B. Outdoor events of more than 1,000 are not permitted. 6. Contact tracing must be achievable with any non-liturgical parish gathering, and it is     strongly encouraged that parishes do not allow gatherings of outside groups in their     spaces at this time. (Considering the anonymous nature of certain groups, parishes     are responsible for ensuring that contact tracing can take place if these meetings      must be held.) PLEASE READ THESE IMPORTANT DETAILS PRIOR TO COMING TO  MASS Before Mass: If you are in an at-risk group or prefer to remain quarantined please do so.  Bishop has dispensed everyone in the diocese from their Sunday obligation until November 22.  This MAY be extended.  Televised and on-line masses will continue. If you have ANY symptoms of illness you should not come to Mass and should quarantine with the other members of your household for 14 days.  Seek medical advice from your physician. The diocese recommends taking your temperature before coming to church.  If it is over 100.4 you should not come nor should the others in your household.  Doors of the church will be open, weather permitting.  Hand sanitizer is available inside at each door for your convenience.  If you need a restroom, please use the one in the Usher’s room.  The lower level will be blocked. For seating, pews are designated which ones are available.  The ones that are blocked ensure we maintain 6' of distance.  As you seat yourself, please sit in designated pews keeping 6' of distance between you/your family and others in that pew . Please note that because of logistics, you may not be able to sit in your normal pew. During Mass: It is expected for people to wear face coverings/masks during mass unless health conditions prevent it.  Parents should consider health guidelines and then use their judgment regarding whether small children can or should wear them.  Face coverings/masks are for one’s own protection and to protect other people.  Singing will be limited to the organist and cantor only. The Offertory Procession of Gifts is suspended. No formal collection.  A collection basket will be at the entrance of the church.  Considering our financial situation please consider a ‘make up tithe’ to replace those you might have missed. Holding hands during the Our Father is not permitted. The Sign of Peace is suspended.  During Communion: Just prior to Fr. Jarvis consuming the Blessed Sacrament and before people form the Communion line he will say to the whole assembly, “The Body of Christ”.  All respond “Amen”.  This will eliminate the need for speaking between the communicant and the Communion minister. Fr. Jarvis, Dcn. Kevin and the Eucharistic Ministers will wear masks during Communion. Please use hand sanitizer before entering the Communion line and after receiving Communion. Maintain social distancing of 6' in the communion line. Masks are to be worn in the Communion line.  When approaching for Holy Communion, the communicant should release one side of their mask to expose their mouth to receive. Reception of Communion is encouraged in the hand, however you may receive on the tongue.   Immediately replace the mask after receiving. If receiving by Hand:  GLOVES CANNOT BE WORN when receiving communion. The hand should be open all the way flat (no cupping), with the other hand reverently placed underneath the top hand.  There is absolutely no grabbing or closing hands on the consecrated host.  After the Body of Christ has been placed on the communicant’s hand, lift the palm of their hand to their tongue and receive.  OR, pick up the Body of Christ with the other hand and reverently place Jesus in the mouth.  After this the communicant should check their hands for particles because every little particle contains the whole Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.  After you have checked for particles you can sanitize your hands.  If receiving on the Tongue: The mouth should be open, and tongue out as done at the doctor when asked to say “ahhh”. The communicant’s head should be tipped back so the Consecrated Host can be placed on the tongue without touching.  Make your best effort to stay still.  After Mass: Ushers are no longer releasing pews after mass, however we ask that you release yourself while practicing social distancing.  PLEASE leave the church immediately after mass to avoid crowds in the gathering space which prevents others from leaving safely.  You may congregate outdoors, in the parking lot maintaining social distancing. There will be no receptions or gatherings after mass in the gathering space. Cleaning the Church: With advice from our own physicians and based upon CDC guidelines we are increasing our cleaning and disinfecting practices.   We are using CDC approved disinfectant solutions. No worship aids, mass cards or materials are left in the pews. Hard surfaces on pews will be wiped down with disinfectant after every liturgy.  Fabric will be sprayed with disinfectant. Bathrooms and drinking fountain will be cleaned after every mass Handrails, door handles, push plates and knobs are wiped down after each liturgy.  Most doors will be propped open to reduce contact. WE NEED HELP! In order to execute these plans, we will need a new group of additional Ushers! If you would like to begin ministering as an Usher, please contact the Parish Office. Let’s work together to make this the most reverent and joyful worship we can.   May God Bless You! Christ the King Pastoral Team

   

  WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED MASS TIME? Christ the King is monitoring mass attendance so we follow state guidelines for no more than 125-150 people in our church at a time.  We are grateful that mass attendance has increased over the last few months even though the Bishop has dispensed the Sunday obligation until Sept. 9.  We are well within our limit, averaging: 5:00 mass - 80 - 90 attendees 9:00 mass - 120 - 130 attendees 11:00 mass - 110 - 120 attendees Should you wish to return to the liturgy, but still concerned about social distancing we suggest you consider attending a weekday mass, where attendance is running between 20-50. Thank you for continuing to follow social distancing guidelines . If you have any questions, please contact the Parish office. 231-938-9214

  In His peace,  Fr. Christopher Jarvis