From the Office of Divine Worship: In light of the updated health guidelines by the CDC, the Governor, and the Rhode Island Department of Health, the following changes in procedure should be considered in our parishes.
Indoor seating capacity is increased from 80% to 100% beginning Friday May, 21, 2021.
Fully vaccinated parishioners are no longer required to wear a facemask indoors and outdoors.
Those who are not fully vaccinated should be asked to continue to wear a facemask indoors. However, any form of discrimination should be avoided against those who are not fully vaccinated and those who do not use a facemask.
Parish social gatherings may resume beginning Friday May, 21, 2021 with 100% seating capacity. Parishes and agencies should follow the recommended protocols set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Health for “catered events.”
Pastors should continue to observe the following within their parish at this time.
* Sufficient hand sanitizing dispensers should be made available at the vestibule of the church which can be used by parishioners upon entering. Parishioners should continually be encouraged to practice proper hand hygiene.
*The distribution of the Precious Blood at Holy Communion to the lay faithful should remain suspended.
* Allow for proper ventilation for increased airflow and HVAC filtration when possible.