In-Person Mass

ALL ARE WELCOME
We are so very excited to see smiling faces fill the pews once again. Many prayers have been answered as we welcome people back to the Catholic Center. The obligation to attend Mass is a joyful one, reflecting the very character of who we are as Catholics.  In this time of transition, let us continue to respect our degree of comfort in returning to some sense of normalcy. Thank you for your patience, encouragement and prayers.


DISPENSATION
On May 22, prior to the celebration of the Vigil of Pentecost, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass will expire in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. While the general dispensation will be lifted, Archbishop Hartmayer has put into place the following exceptions:

1. You are ill or you have a health condition that would be significantly compromised if you were to contract a communicable disease.
2. You are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
3. You have been exposed to someone who has tested positive or you have reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness.
4. You are a caretaker for the sick, homebound or infirm.
5. You are pregnant.
6. You are 65 years of age or older (per the CDC’s recommendation of high-risk individuals).
7. You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered, you are infirm, your ride did not show up, the church was at capacity).
8. You have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.

Persons legitimately dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass are still to observe the Lord’s Day by participating in a broadcast of the Sunday Mass or by spending time in prayer and meditating on Scripture, either individually or as a family.

FACE COVERINGS/MASS SEATING
In keeping with the CDC updated guidelines, masks are encouraged but not required for fully vaccinated people.  Those that are not vaccinated or are immunocompromised are recommended to wear face coverings.
When entering the Chapel, please use the hand sanitizer at the door.  Ushers will no longer seat people but we encourage everyone to maintain an appropriate social distance when choosing your seat in Mass. We are still limiting the number of people in the Chapel and will continue to have the overflow in the Center Hall.  We will continue to live stream the Sunday 11AM Mass.

HOLY WATER
There will by Holy Water in the font.  At this time, we will change the Holy Water several times per week.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION
The offertory baskets will remain at the entrance of the church to drop off offertory before or after Mass.
 
SIGN OF PEACE
The sign of peace will be offered by acknowledging with a nod, wave, or other non-contact greeting.

OFFERTORY PROCESSION
The Offertory Procession will resume.  Those bringing up the gifts should sanitize or wash their hands before they pick up the gifts.

DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
During Holy Communion we will only distribute the host. Eucharistic Ministers will wear face coverings to distribute Communion.

Our Covid-19 procedures have been updated based on guidance from the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the CDC.  Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to provide a safe environment.  We will continue to monitor the CDC as well as our local health agency’s guidelines and will adapt our procedures as needed.