Safety at Mass
It is a joy to be able to attend Mass again in person. Since the COVID 19 virus is still around, our efforts to use the best preventive measures can make a difference. We have vaccinations which are so effective in preventing serious illness and at Mass, the priests, deacons and Eucharistic ministers wear masks at communion time.
Thanks to all who are making these efforts to keep Nativity a safe environment to gather for worship and community life. They are acts of love for one another. We ask God’s protection and health as we begin a new year of parish ministry and do our part in ending the pandemic
Blessings. Fr. Bob
Latest Guidance from the Diocese
The Diocese of Arlington recognizes the situation with COVID-19 is evolving, but improving. Our previous guidelines including our “Response Guide for Mass to the Lay Faithful” are replaced by the following:
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- The use of masks and the act of social distancing at this time are at the discretion of the parishioner. Masks and social distancing are not required in any church, church ministry, church activity, or school in the Diocese.
- For those who are vulnerable to COVID-19, the Diocese recommends the wearing of masks according to the CDC’s guidelines on community spread: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
- For those who have a known exposure to COVID-19, for those who are suspected to have COVID-19, and for those who are confirmed positive with COVID-19, the Diocese is choosing at this time to follow the guidelines of the CDC for quarantine and isolation for these specific circumstances. Those guidelines are located here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
- For the latest information on the state of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Diocese directs you to the Virginia Department of Health at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.
- Frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines: View | Download
Dispensation
Beginning on Saturday, June 26, 2021, and Sunday, June 27, 2021, the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation has been lifted.
We welcome and encourage the Faithful to return to full in-person participation of the Sunday Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith (cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 1246-1247, and Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2180).
Liturgical Elements
The following liturgical elements that were suspended or modified may now be
reintroduced:
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- Holy water in fonts
- Worship aids
- Singing by full choirs and the faithful
- Collection baskets
- Presentation of the gifts by the lay faithful
- The sign of peace (without physical contact between non-family members)
Communion
• The Diocese continues to suppresses the distribution of the Precious Blood until further notice.
• Parishioners should follow the procedures of their parish for the distribution of Communion.
• Each communicant retains the right to decide how to receive, either on the tongue or in the hand.
• It is not permitted to receive Communion in the hand while wearing gloves. If you are wearing gloves and will receive Communion in the hand, please remove your gloves prior to the reception of Communion.
Face Coverings
- The use of masks at this time are at the discretion of the parishioner.
- For those who are vulnerable to COVID-19, the Diocese recommends the wearing of masks according to the CDC’s guidelines
- No one shall inquire into the vaccination status of parishioners.
- No one shall be barred from entering a church or facility for not wearing a face covering.
Scheduling
Schedules
Bishop Burbidge has requested that all parishes return to pre-COVID schedules for Mass, Adoration, and access to the parish.
Livestreamed Masses
At the pastor’s discretion, livestreamed Masses may continue for the benefit of the homebound.
Meetings & Gatherings
Person-Per-Gathering Limits
Per EO 79, there are no gathering limitations. Parishioners should expect to see larger crowds as they return to Mass.
Sign-ups
Because there are no gathering limits, signup platforms will be discontinued.
Personal Safety
Social Distancing
Per EO 79, there are no social distancing requirements.
Disinfecting
Per EO 79, there are no pandemic-like requirements for disinfecting and cleaning. Parishes should still continue a reasonable and effective cleaning regimen.
Hand Hygiene
Parishes have the option of providing hand sanitizer.