RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC MASSES
 
Dear brothers and sisters, Bishop McManus decreed that public celebration of Mass may resume in the Diocese of Worcester beginning Saturday, May 23^rd.  Those parishes who have a good group of volunteers to help with all the logistics for the reopening are ready to do so. Here at Saint Joan of Arc we will need more time to be ready. Our hope is to be ready and by Saturday, May 30^th.
 
We need volunteers to help register, seat and direct people to the limited seating, to assist in the communion line, to direct them in exiting the Church, and to sanitize the church after Mass.
 
The occupancy limit is of 70 People for each Mass.
 
Those attending Mass, beginning on Saturday, May 30^th, are required to wear a face covering mask, unless they have a medical condition to prevent them from doing so.
 
The suspension of the Sunday obligation for older adults and those of all ages with underlying health conditions remain in force until December 31, 2020. We will continue live streaming our Masses.
 
Since we have to sanitize between each service, we are asking people to please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before Mass. Please be patient if any delays in allowing you to go inside the Church. We will take the necessary time to fulfill this requirement. 
For weekday Masses the church will be open 15 minutes before Mass and closed right after.  The front doors will be the only entrance to the church, the side doors will be used only as exits.
The collection baskets will be fixed at the entrance, please deposit your donation at the moment you enter the church.
 
To meet the established standard of social distancing, the seating has been arranged in a way that allows people being 6 feet away from each other. Members of the same immediate household can seat together and less than 6 feet away. 
 
Congregational singing is not allowed. Chorus are suspended; a cantor and organist will lead the music. Hymnals and missalettes are removed from the church. Bulletins will be electronically only.
 
Confessions will be celebrated outside if the weather allows it. This is still the safest way for both Priest and penitent.
The restrictions and standards for Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals are the same as for Mass.
 
Only individual Baptisms may be celebrated.
 
Baptismal and Marriage preparation will be held online by Facetime, Zoom, or any other online app. Only for the Canonical Questionnaire and FOCUS the couple will be allowed with proper precaution to visit the office, or any other place previously agreed with the Priest, Deacon, or Wedding Coordinator.

It is very important that you remember to make a choice to attend or not Mass according to your own health and safety, especially think about your loved ones in the same house.