West Rutland & Proctor Catholic Churches - Information Update-PLEASE READ

As you know, Bishop Coyne has announced the first phase of reopening our churches for the celebration of daily Mass and Sunday Mass effective June 1.

Please know that things will be different and the Bishop is asking that we all “approach the celebration of Mass with charity and love for our clergy and faith community by following these protocols:”

1. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains lifted until further notice, most especially if you are part of a vulnerable population and/or have an underlying health condition.
2. Please stay home if you are sick or not feeling well.
3. Wear a mask upon entering the church, during the service and remove once your back outside.
4. Sanitize your hands upon entry to the church. Its ok to bring your own sanitizer.
5. Ushers/greeters will assist in seating you. Please note that conversations should not be carried on among individuals to the greatest degree possible.
6. The church is limited to 25% capacity. That being said, we additionally need to consider keeping everyone 6’ from each other.
7. Sit in designated pews and respect social distance between others of 6 feet or more unless you are one family unit. Many pews will be closed because of the 6’ rule – and the result perhaps will be that you won’t have your usual seat. You may be asked to move to the end of the pew to prevent people from climbing over you. While this is a change, and perhaps uncomfortable, remember we are able to be back in church to hear the Mass and receive the Eucharist and that should be our focus.
8. Refrain from congregating in tight areas or entering cordoned off areas.
9. There will be no choir. However, Angela, Olivia and Marie will provide some limited musical selections.
10. Choir areas are closed for seating.
11. Please take time to read the signage posted in the churches. Additionally,
a. Please listen to announcements/instructions throughout the Mass
b. Our website is updated daily – westrutlandcatholic.org
c. The bulletin is online weekly and available at the rectory on the porch
d. The diocesan website has up to date info – vermontcatholic.org
e. NOTE: If you know of a parishioner who does not have access to technology and hasn’t requested hard copy info from the parish office, please inform the parish office as we want to ensure everyone has current information.
12. Access to the churches will be via the front doors ONLY to control the flow and to be sure we are meeting the capacity requirements.
13. All exits will be opened at the end of Mass so that people may socially distance and move along, as there should be no congregating.
14. Collection baskets will be available when you enter the church for Mass. Baskets will not be passed for collection.
15. Holy water fonts will remain empty.
16. Hymnals, missalettes and other printed material will not be available. It is fine to bring your own prayer materials and we ask that you take them home after each service or they will be discarded.
17. Father will enter the sanctuary from the sacristy – there will be no procession. There will be no servers at Mass.
18. There will be no offertory procession.
19. Restrooms – one restroom will be open during each service for emergencies.
20. Only Father will be distributing holy communion. Father will announce the process for distribution at each Mass. Please remember to stand 6’ apart when going to communion. The floor of the center isle is marked as to where you should stand.
21. Bulletins will be distributed after Mass at each exit door.
22. If the diocese has your email address you may be receiving updates as well.
23. If the parish office has your email you will be receiving our updates. If you want to submit your email to Nickie so that you will be on the mailing list, please email her at wrchurches@vermontcatholic.org
24. Because of the 25% capacity restriction and the 6’ social distancing the number of available seats in each church is limited. The dioceses have stated that you may attend any Mass during the week or on the weekend to receive the Eucharist. Please note that if we get to capacity at a Mass we will have to turn you away. Some churches have opted to have their parishioners make a reservation for Mass. We are not going to do that unless the capacity issues turn out to be a concern. Options for those who might be turned away are:
a. Attend another Mass – SSK – 4 pm Saturday; SB – 9 am Sunday; SD – 11 am Sunday
b. Attend a Mass during the week
c. Watch Mass live stream on your computer or on TV
25. Communion for those who are watching Mass on TV or Livestreaming
a. Communion will be available to those who watch a livestream or TV Mass on Sunday’s. Communion will be distributed to you in your car at 1:00pm-1:30pm in the back-parking lot at St. Bridget. Father will be in the hall and when he sees you arrive he will come to your car.
26. Protocols for sanitizing the churches and high touch areas are in place.
27. Questions regarding funerals, weddings, baptisms, etc. should be directed to the office which is now open. Masks are required when visiting.
28. Confessions are available by appointment – contact the office.
29. Special thanks to parishioners for continuing to support their parishes via their weekly offering.

Thank you for taking time to read this information. If any of it is not clear or you want clarification, please feel free to reach out to Father Vale.