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the Sacraments is more important than many other commercial activities considered to be essential. Below is a brief Q&A on the guidance that is effective starting May 9. Please note: How the guidelines are implemented will vary parish to parish based on a number of factors including parish size, available facilities, and county-specific health orders. WHO SHOULD GO TO A LIMITED PUBLIC MASS? A dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligation to participate in the Mass remains in place for all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver until further notice. Anyone who is in an at-risk health group or does not feel comfortable attending a public gathering should stay home. Even with the best health practices and increased efforts to clean the Church, there is a risk of infection anytime a person enters a public space. Anyone who is sick or has recently been exposed to the coronavirus should refrain from attending a public Mass as it is an act of Christian charity to safeguard the health of others. WHEN CAN I GO TO A LIMITED PUBLIC MASS? Attendance at Masses will be restricted to adhere to the public health orders, and parishioners should not expect to attend more than one or two Masses during May. Because the Sunday obligation has been dispensed, people are encouraged to take advantage of weekday Masses. Each parish will determine its own scheduling and attendance procedures to try and create a fair opportunity for every parishioner to attend Mass. It is import- ant that you stay connected to your parish via the parish website, email, Flocknote, etc. Catholics should continue to keep the Sabbath holy with intentional time in prayer including engagement in the readings for the day, which may be enhanced through watching a pre-recorded or live stream Mass and making spiritual communion. The Archbishop will continue to offer live stream Mass each Sunday, and parishes are encouraged to do so as well. WHAT RESTRICTIONS WILL THERE BE? Social distancing will be practiced at all public Masses. Parishioners should follow the guidance of any usher or posted sign and can expect for rows/pews to be roped off. Families who live together can sit together but should be spaced more than 6-feet from other families. Everyone is asked to wear a mask (except children 3 and under), and parishioners are encouraged to bring their hand sanitizer and/or sanitiz- ing wipes. There will also be TEMPORARY liturgical changes similar to those implemented during the early stages of this pandemic back in February and March. For those receiving Holy Communion, please follow the instructions of your pastor for lining up and receiving in a safe manner. WHERE WILL PUBLIC MASSES BE CELEBRATED? Archbishop Aquila has granted a 'Dispensation of Place' for parishes to be able to utilize other spaces for Masses including gymnasiums, parish halls and outdoor spaces. Parishioners are asked to avoid congregating in entry ways and should be mindful of social distancing in narrow hallways, bathroom entrances, etc., especially if multiple spaces are being utilized. To fairly allow the maximum number of people to be able to attend a 5 DENVER CATHOLIC | MAY 9-22, 2020