Bishop Stika re-emphasizes COVID precautions

As 2020 draws to a close and the coronavirus continues to be an important point of concern, Bishop Richard F. Stika has reissued guidance to remind Diocese of Knoxville churches of the proper protocols to remain safe from COVID-19.

Bishop Stika issued a revised decree effective the weekend of Nov. 28-29, the first Masses of Advent, based on directives, recommendations, and guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as state and local health departments to ensure that all diocesan parishes are responding appropriately to the spread of the virus.

According to the bishop’s decree, access to divine worship and to the sacraments “is of high importance for the spiritual good and the overall wellbeing of the faithful” as is acting responsibly to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Bishop Stika mandates the following procedures based on the seating capacity of each church and other unique, site-specific challenges:

• Pastors must routinely remind the faithful that their obligation to attend Sunday Mass is currently dispensed. Live-streamed Masses are available, and people must quarantine if possibly exposed to the virus. 
• Mass attendance will be limited to 50 percent of church capacity, with social distancing guidelines remaining in place. Pastors are encouraged to increase the number of Masses if needed and offer live-streamed viewing on site during Mass.
• Holy water fonts are to remain dry. Hymnals and daily Missals should still be removed.
• Continue to refrain from passing collection baskets from person to person, instead using a fixed collection basket.
• Do not hold hands during the Our Father.
• Omit the sign of peace or exchange it without physical contact.
• Established guidelines on distribution of Communion in place since the initial coronavirus outbreak last spring remain in place. However, distribution of the Sacred Host on the tongue can take place in a separate line dedicated only to those receiving Communion on the tongue. Priests, deacons, or extraordinary ministers must disinfect their hands in between each communicant.
• With facemasks and social distancing in place, singing can resume during Mass.
• Following Mass, ushers will direct Mass-goers to exit the church in single file and distanced.
• Cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces after each Mass will continue.
• Churches should consider posting a link to frequently asked COVID-19 questions on their websites.
• Churches may need temporary markings directing foot traffic in and out of their buildings. Only one entrance and exit is recommended to regulate capacity.
• Doors should be propped open if possible to allow entry and exit without touching them. In the alternative, someone should be designated to open and close each door.
• First parishioners should be directed to the front of the church for Mass. At the end of Mass, back pews should exit first.
• Hand sanitizer should be provided at each church entrance for parishioners. Suggest that parishioners bring their own sanitizer.