Download the Updated Guidelines
The Department for Pastoral Ministries has updated previously published safety guidelines for parishes ministries and faith formation.
Yesterday afternoon, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette sent out a letter with the wonderful news that we will be able to further loosen the restrictions put into place for the Covid-19 Pandemic just over a year ago.
Starting this weekend, communion may be received in the hand or on the tongue. Also, we will place the missalettes back in the pews so that everyone can easily join in singing the Mass. Lastly, we will begin using collection baskets during Offertory and will have the Procession of the Gifts.
The following restrictions will remain in place for the time being:
With a grateful heart we are happy to announce that the Archdiocese has lifted further restrictions! We are excited to relay to you, for those who have been vaccinated, masks and social distancing are no longer required. Verification of the vaccine will not be necessary, as it is our hope that we can all work on the honor system.
There are a few restrictions that will remain for your benefit:
As always, please stay home if you are not feeling well. Thank you again for your commitment to the health and safety of our parish family!
Your brother in Christ,
Father John
The letter from Bishop Boulette, D.Min.,V.G., Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio, is available in English and Spanish.
| Dear Brothers & Sisters, During this extraordinary time of pandemic, you have all been so patient and supportive. We have been blessed by your efforts to curb the spread of the COVID19 virus and keep our parish community safe by complying with all restrictions. Whether it was your acceptance of limitations at Masses, dealing with the challenges of adapting our everyday activities, or cancellations of our joyous gatherings and beloved celebrations, your understanding and hard work have been very much appreciated! It has been more than a year since all of the restrictions were implemented. As you know, last month the Archbishop began to relax these measures to allow parishes to regain some normality. The next phase is to remove the Dispensation to attend Sunday Mass as of May 23, 2021, Pentecost Sunday. Once again, we wish to extend our sincere thanks to all of you for your patience during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you posted as the restrictions are modified by the Archbishop. As a reminder, we are still adhering to the following restrictions:
Thank you for being a team player! We'll see you Sunday! Your brother in Christ, Father John To read the Archbishop's letter, please click here to view in English or Spanish. |
Along with social distancing and mask usage, it appears that the recent increase in vaccinations has led to a significant decline in COVID-19 new cases, hospitalizations and deaths, even as Texas has fully opened its economy. These successes are likely to continue as more people are vaccinated each week. It is very important that people continue to be vaccinated, and that this positive momentum not be lost.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Archdiocese of San Antonio has balanced the spiritual needs of the faith community with the serious physical dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic. Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, took swift, measured and appropriate action to protect the people of the archdiocese, and the archdiocese has continued to be vigilant for more than a year.
We must still remain vigilant, however, it seems prudent to begin to relax some of the restrictions which reduce the number of parishioners who can participate in the Mass and receive the Eucharist.
Beginning Wednesday, March 31, 2021, parishes may open all pews and reduce the social distancing requirements in the sanctuary from 6 feet to 3 feet.
It is to be emphasized that mask usage and thorough facility sanitation are still required in accordance with previous proclamations. Those protocols remain unchanged. Masks must be worn in church.
The archdiocese will continue to evaluate the health situation as more information becomes available and make appropriate changes to our guidelines as circumstances dictate.
