Denver Catholic

3 DENVER CATHOLIC | APRIL 25-MAY 23, 2020 Around the Archdiocese THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS "This is a game changer for our students and their ability to connect with their teachers and classmates; these computers will allow the learning and teaching to continue during this pandemic." -St. Stephen Catholic School Principal Glenda Oliver Thanks to your generosity we raised over $470,000. Your gifts allowed us to begin delivering computers to more than 500 students and 50 teachers across our schools, getting them connected with each other. Thank you for your support of our students, teachers and families. archden.org/schoolsupport A s painful as the decision was to suspend all public Masses in the Archdiocese of Denver, the process was straight-forward and necessary for the common good. When health restrictions are eased and we are able to start gathering together again, it is important for every- one to understand that things won't immediately go back to normal. Health experts and elected ož cials are currently determining new guide- lines and restrictions for the next weeks and months, and at the same time the Archdiocese of Denver is planning for how public Masses will be celebrated with respect to any new regulations. We know the desire to return to Mass and receive the Eucharist is incredi- bly strong, but we ask that everyone approach this next phase with a patient, loving and charitable mindset. The specifi c details of when public Mass will resume and how it will look are still being determined, but here are fi ve things for everyone to be prepared for. ATTENDANCE WILL BE LIMITED We know restrictions will remain on holding large gatherings, so we are working with parishes to determine a fair way to cap attendance for Masses. It is important for people to register to receive communications from their parish so they will know how their parish is going to handle how many people can attend any given Mass and who those people may be, e.g., sign-up systems, assigned days, etc. No one should expect to be able to attend Mass with regularity. SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE PRACTICED Expect that your parish will have pews/rows that are taped o• , and that families will be asked to keep six feet of separation from other families. Be pre- pared to wear a mask to Mass to guard against germ spread. If you are showing any symptoms of sickness, please stay home. LITURGICAL CHANGES WILL BE IN PLACE Similar to protocols established in early March, extra precautions will be taken, like suspending the distribution of the Precious Blood and receiving Holy Communion only on the hand. A GENERAL DISPENSATION FROM THE SUNDAY OBLIGATION WILL REMAIN For at-risk groups, those who have symptoms, and anyone who feels safer staying at home, no one will be required to attend. Because your family might only be able to attend Mass on an irregular basis, and not necessarily on Sunday, plan to continue to keep the Sabbath holy by participating in lives- tream and pre-recorded Masses. THERE STILL WILL BE A RISK FOR ANYONE WHO ATTENDS A PUBLIC MASS Even with best health practices and strict social distancing, anyone who enters a public space should recognize there is a risk of contracting the corona- virus. Improved cleaning will occur at our churches, but no one should expect that they will be any safer from germs than other public spaces. Finally, let's strive for progress and not perfection. There will no doubt be challenges and frustrations. Your family may not be able to attend Mass when it fi rst resumes. A parish may have a sign-up blunder and things won't go according to plan. But we believe fol- lowing these guidelines is a reason- able sacrifi ce. As the numbers fl atten and decrease, the situation seems to be improving. For the interest of the common good, and ultimately to best serve our community, we don't want to contribute to a rebound e ect that would actually push normalized Mass attendance even further into the future. Information in this article is accurate as of April 21, 2020. Check archden.org for latest updates. What to expect when public Mass resumes Closing the doors was simple – opening them back up will take thought and understanding

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