The resumption of Catholic liturgical and sacramental life in a way that meets both the spiritual needs of Catholics while protecting physical health during this pandemic.

Yes. As we move through different phases of the pandemic, the CDC and public health authorities will make different recommendations, and we plan to update the documents to reflect such changes.

According to the CDC, there is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission associated with food.

• Ministers of Holy Communion are recommended to sanitize their hands before distribution of hosts.

• Ministers of Holy Communion are recommended to sanitize their hands if they sense they have touched a communicant.

We looked very carefully at this issue. The vast majority of Catholics in the U.S. receive communion in the hand. For those who desire to receive on the tongue out of reverence for Christ’s presence in the Eucharist, we recommend that there be a separate line or that they receive at the end of the line, and that the minister purify his hands with hand sanitizer after each person who receives on the tongue. The guidelines conclude that, with these precautions, this can be done without unreasonable risk.

No, as long as the parish is maintaining proper six-feet safe distancing in the pews face masks will not be required of the faithful at this time. However, parishioners are encouraged to bring masks in the instance they are not able to maintain safe distancing, for example when entering or leaving Mass.

The priest celebrant and other ministers should not wear masks or gloves during the celebration of Mass. Instead, they should remain more than 6 feet from the congregation during the entirety of the Mass. In such circumstances, there is no substantial risk of infection. The Mass is imbued with powerful sacramental and liturgical symbolism. Wearing a mask and gloves would be a detrimental counter-sign in this context, and it is not warranted by considerations of hygiene if the priest remains a proper distance from the congregation.

All print materials should be removed, and there should be no distribution of print materials including the bulletin. Upon exiting, parishioners and guests should take all their belongings with them. Nothing in the pews should be left behind.