Sacred Heart is following the guidance of the Diocese of Worcester, who is in direct contact with public authorities regarding the Phase I re-opening.  Read Bishop McManus’ decree here.
 
Masses will resume Saturday, May 23rd at 4PM and Sunday, May 24^th at 8:30AM.
The maximum number of staff and attendees allowed in the building will be 120.
The 8:30AM Mass will be live streamed with distribution of Communion at 9:45AM
 
At this time, we are asking parishioners to follow the recommendations below:

• If you or anyone in your family is ill – stay home and watch live stream
• If you or anyone in your family is immuno-compromised – stay home and watch live stream
• If you or anyone in your family has been exposed to anyone with coronavirus – stay home and watch live stream
• If you are in the high-risk group (over 60) - stay home and watch live stream

To watch 8:30 Mass - click here.
 
SOCIAL DISTANCING IN CHURCH

• The number of attendees entering the church will be counted to ensure compliance with the maximum occupancy level.
• All attendees, ministers and staff MUST wear face coverings or masks in accordance with COVID-19 Order No. 31 and the Department of Public Health’s Guidance while inside and while entering and exiting the church. 
• Pews will be marked to ensure >6ft between individuals.
  • Attendees who are not part of the same immediate household must be seated at least 6 feet apart.
  • Members of the same immediate household are permitted to sit together and less than 6 feet apart.
• Only designated pews will be utilized
• No-touch temperature checks will be conducted on everyone prior to entrance.  Anyone with a fever (including low-grade) will not be allowed to enter the church.
• The family room will be CLOSED.  For children between age 2 and 5, the wearing of a face-covering or mask is at the discretion of the child’s parent or guardian. Children under the age of 2 should not wear a face covering or mask.
• Sacred Heart may refuse entry to a person who refuses to wear a face covering or mask for non-medical reasons.
• Entrance into the church will be by the front doors ONLY.

 
STAFFING & OPERATIONS

• NO communal gathering pre or post Mass is allowed (e.g., No Coffee And).
• Food Pantry food donations will continue to be collected.
• Cherub’s Corner and Kids Chapel will be Closed.
• A no-touch basket will be utilized to collect contributions during Mass. On-line giving and contributions through the mail are preferred.
• Windows and doors will remain open to allow airflow
• To limit contact with others, there will be 2 stations for communion. Allow for the pew in front of you to return to their seats before going to communion.  Maintain a 6ft distance from the person in front of you.  (Aisles are marked) Hand sanitizer will be available to everyone before receiving Communion.

 
 CLEANING & DISINFECTING

• Sacred Heart shall be cleaned and disinfected between each Mass, including high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, bathrooms, microphones, shared instruments).

 
SACRAMENTS
The Sacrament of Penance

• “Drive thru confessions” –  will be on Saturdays from 3:15-3:45PM outside the Thrift Shop entrance.  Please enter by the parish house, stay to the left and stay in your car.
• Both Priest and penitent must be masked and at least six feet apart.
• The confession should not last longer than three to five minutes, in order to limit exposure of both Priest and penitent.

Anointing of the Sick
Persons diagnosed COVID+

• Priest must be under guidance of a medical professional who will provide the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Persons not diagnosed COVID+

• Both the Priest and the sick person should be masked.
• The Priest should maintain at least six feet from the sick person at all times.
• The rite is celebrated as usual using a Q-tip dipped into the oil and anoint the sick person on the forehead only.

Funerals

• Funeral Masses may be celebrated with the same restrictions as for any Mass, including social distancing and liturgical adaptations.
• The family should be seated by the Funeral Director upon arriving in Church.
• Funeral rites while observing a strict social distance of six feet.
• The Priest should refrain from greeting the family at the end of Mass

Weddings
The Sacrament of Matrimony may be celebrated with the same restrictions as for any Mass, including the appropriate provisions for social distancing and liturgical adaptations.

Baptisms

• Only individual Baptisms may be celebrated with a prudent limitation on the number of people present and the requisite considerations for social distancing. 
• All rites should take place with the family remaining in the pew.
• Either the parents or godparents approach the font while carrying the child and then, after the explanatory rites, return to their pew.
• All who are present wear masks throughout, with the exception of the child to be baptized.

First Eucharist

• First Eucharist will be celebrated in mid to late June IF no health issues arise.  Families will be contacted directly.

Confirmations
Additional information will be forthcoming concerning the Sacrament of Confirmation as civil restrictions on crowd sizes are further modified.
 
Remember the importance of:

• Good handwashing for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Limiting close contact with other people – must maintain 6’ distance
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow….and throw the tissue into the trash.