Good Shepherd Mass Signups

Effective June 22^nd, new policies governing attending Mass will go into effect as we cautiously yet deliberately continue re-opening.  For the most part, many policies will remain in effect (requirement to wear masks, suspension of obligation to attend Sunday Mass, etc.).  Presume the policy remains the same unless stated otherwise.

The most noteworthy changes are as follows:

• Occupancy may grow from 25% to 50% capacity, with the recommendation of keeping social distancing as best as possible.
• Holy Communion may now be received on the tongue.

How will this work at Good Shepherd?  We’re learning as we go, so here’s what we’ll try:

• Regarding seating, we want to offer protections for those who are still more ‘at risk’ or concerned, but also give more freedom to those think the time is right. There will be two seating sections:
  • Reserved seating for those who wish to have social distancing more strictly enforced. This will require online signup, enabling us to assign seats with appropriate distancing.
  • Open seating who are ok with sitting closer to other parishioners. This does not require signup… just show up as you would for Sunday Mass in ordinary times.
  • Please note: Masks are still required to enter the church and when moving about, but may be removed for comfort when sitting in the pew.

• For Holy Communion, for those who wish to receive on the tongue, only the Priest celebrant may give Communion on the tongue.
  • Due to the small nature of our church, we will ask those who wish to receive Communion on the tongue to receive after everyone else. When it appears the line is dwindling, simply join the line as normal and approach the priest as you normally would with mask below your chin.
  • To make things more predictable, I will always distribute on the ‘St. Joseph’ / right side of church.
  • This practice will hold for both Sunday and daily Mass.

Please note that if you are not yet comfortable attending Sunday Mass, there remains the daily Mass option for lower attendance.  We will also continue to sanitize the church after every Mass.

Please us the SignUpGenius button below to sign up for Saturday Mass at 4pm or Sunday Mass at 7, 9, 11am. It is not necessary to have a SignUpGenius account but you are required to provide your name and email address to confirm your sign up. At the next screen, simply select the green box of the Mass time that you would like to attend, then at the bottom click “Submit and Signup”.  The last screen will allow you to select the number of spots you need, along with your name and email, and that’s it!