From Fr. Jim – Elimination of Most Pandemic-Imposed Safety Guidelines – Emailed May 26, 2021

Dear Parishioners,

I am sure that you are already aware that the CDC and the Governor of Ohio, together, agree to allow large group gatherings without masks and without the need for social distancing. This will begin for IHM on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021. We will take away the social distancing of the pews. All pews will be OPEN FOR SEATING. IHM will still have masks at the doors and suggesting if you are not double vaccinated yet to consider wearing a mask for the safety of others.

PLEASE NOTE: The faithful of the Diocese of Cleveland are advised that they are morally obligated to attend Mass on Sundays (or Saturday vigils) and Holy Days of Obligation) beginning the weekend of Saturday, June 5th – Sunday, June 6th which is the liturgical Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord. There will be no dispensation anymore from the obligation of attending Mass.

Also, PLEASE NOTE: As always has been the case, if individuals are homebound, are frail due to illness or age, in their well-formed conscience believe that going into public places – including Sunday (Saturday) worship at Mass – would place their health of the health of their loved ones in serious jeopardy, they are not bound by the obligation to attend Mass.

IHM will continue to LIVESTREAM our Sunday 10:00am Mass for this purpose of aiding those homebound and those nursing home parishioners who have enjoyed staying “connected” to our parish community through this technology.

At this time for the distribution of Holy Communion (consecrated bread ONLY) our IHM procession will remain a single-file line with a total of FOUR (4) ministers of Holy Communion:

  • one in the front center aisle,
  • one minister at the center cross-aisle, and
  • one for each side nave.

Missalettes and hymnals will be back into the pews for your use in worship. Jeff Mills is coordinating a choir and the use of cantors. Servers will be permitted on the altar as well. Liturgical processions are brought back, allowing me to greet parishioners after Mass. The Sign of Peace will now be permitted, and an offertory procession is encouraged. Holy Water fonts will once again be filled and cleaned regularly. IHM will keep in place the automatic hand sanitizers.

I have always looked forward to worshipping with you and to see your complete faces will be quite a joy!

Many blessings,
Father Jim

 

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