Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Even as we implemented modifications to our Covid-19 safety protocols last weekend, there were further developments in the fight against the coronavirus allowing us to make even more modifications to our safety protocols. These will take effect on May 29, 2021 unless otherwise indicated.
Masks:
As of May 29, masks are no longer required for vaccinated people in the State of Massachusetts. The State does advise that non-vaccinated people continue to wear masks.
It is understood that different people will be ready to take off their masks at different times. You are free to continue to wear a mask as long as you like, and you will be respected if you choose to do so.
Our parishes are prepared to accommodate those who are ready to take off their masks and those who are not.
Every parishioner and every family will be expected to make a sound, reasonable decision about when they are ready to take off their masks. Staff members and volunteers of our parishes will not be asking people whether or not they have been vaccinated.
Social Distancing:
While most social distancing marks in our church buildings will be removed, they will remain in one section of each church building. In Cohasset, that section will be the side section in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary altar on the South Main Street side of the church. In Hull, that section will be the side section to the right of the altar, with backs to Samoset Ave.
It is understood that different people will be ready to stop social distancing at different times. You are free to social distance as long as you like, and you will be respected if you choose to do so.
Our parishes are prepared to accommodate those who are ready to stop social distancing and those who are not.
Every parishioner and every family will be expected to make a sound, reasonable decision about when they are ready to stop observing social distancing. Staff members and volunteers of our parishes will not be asking people whether or not they have been vaccinated.
Ministries:
Many lay ministries serve in support of the celebration of Holy Mass - Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Readers, Musicians, Altar Servers, Greeters, Ushers, Sacristans, and those who assist with Art and Environment. Some who have served in these ministries have indicated that they will delay their return to service, while others have indicated that they will "retire" from the ministry. There is a need for additional people to serve in these ministries. Training and support will be provided. Please let me know if you would like to have an exploratory conversation about serving in one of these ministries.
Dispensation from the obligation for participating in Sunday Mass:
The dispensation from the obligation for coming to Sunday Mass has not yet been lifted, and even when it is, if a parishioner is feeling ill they should remain at home.
Previously Announced and Implemented Changes:
Pre-registration and check-in eliminated.
Congregational and choir singing returns.
Parish offertory collected in the usual manner. Special collections collected in baskets at the doors in Cohasset and at the baptismal font in Hull.
Communion Procession adjusted.
Parking lot participation continues. Cohasset: Sundays at 8:30 & 11:30 a.m. Hull: Saturday at 4:00 p.m. & Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Livestreaming continues: Cohasset: Saturday at 5:30 p.m. & Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Hull: Saturday at 4:00 p.m. & Sunday @ 10:00 a.m.
Safety announcements during Mass reduced.