Coronavirus Prevention Guidance

In a February 28 memo to priests, deacons, and principals, Archbishop Aymond acknowledged the concern in regards to coronavirus and provided guidance in regards to Mass and prevention of Coronavirus and other infectious diseases as well as called for prayers for those affected.

The memo included the following guidance:

I. Please remind extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to practice good hygiene, washing their hands or even using an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution before Mass begins.

2. Encourage the faithful that if they are sick or are experiencing symptoms of sickness they are not obliged to attend Mass, and even that out of charity they ought not to attend.

The following precautionary measures that could be applied at the discretion of the pastor:

I. Suspending the exchange of the sign of peace (or instructing that it be exchanged without physical contact);

2. Suspending the distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful via the chalice (receiving the Precious Blood from the chalice).

The archbishop also noted that if the situation were to become more serious locally, archdiocesan-wide restrictions could be enacted.