NEW CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES

The following are the Diocese of Albany's new guidelines for combating the Coronavirus at Mass, in the parish and at nursing homes:

SUNDAY MASS/LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS

In light of the serious health risks to the most vulnerable among us, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has temporarily suspended the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during the Coronavirus outbreak. Until further notice, Catholics should use their prudential judgment as to whether or not to attend Mass.  

Older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and family members of such individuals should take special care in discerning the best course of action. At this time, Mass will continue to be offered publicly in most cases, contingent on emergency governmental restrictions regarding large gatherings.

Distribution of the Eucharist from the chalice/cup has been suspended at all Masses in the Diocese. 

Catholics are strongly urged to receive Communion in the hand only. This is for the protection of the person ministering Communion as well as subsequent communicants. 

Until further notice, the physical sign of peace has been suspended at all Masses in the Diocese. People may still turn to each other and say, “Peace be with you.”

Discontinue the use of shared hymn books and worship aids. 

Do not pass the collection basket from person to person.  

Everyone attending Mass should wash or sanitize their hands before they come into church. Churches will make hand sanitizer available at entrances whenever possible. 

Ministers of the Eucharist should sanitize their hands before and after distributing Communion. 

Ensure regular cleaning of surfaces people touch regularly, including door handles, light switches, etc. 

Until further notice, holy water fonts are to be emptied or removed. 

PARISH GATHERINGS

Advise the most vulnerable (elderly, people with weakened immune systems and long-term conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease) to avoid Mass and any parish gatherings.  

Due to requirements recently enacted by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, there can be no gatherings of 500+ people. In addition, all gatherings of fewer than 500 people must operate at 50 percent the capacity that a room or building would normally hold. (For example, if a room can hold 100 people, under these restrictions, no more than 50 can be in that room.) Check with your parish to find out how this affects liturgical celebrations or other scheduled events.  

Suspend catering at parish gatherings where multiple people touch mugs, utensils, coffee pots, snacks, etc. 

Consider canceling any non-essential parish events. FYI: The diocesan March 31 Vicariate Visit to the Adirondack Vicariate has been postponed. 

PASTORAL CARE FOR THE HOMEBOUND/NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

When visiting parishioners at home, wash hands before giving the sacraments. Do not make pastoral visits to people who are self-isolating until isolation ends. However, do offer phone support. 

Visits to people in nursing homes or hospitals should follow advice from staff on infection control. Currently nursing home visits are prohibited. Follow local guidelines. 

PRAY

Remember to pray each day for those who are suffering from Coronavirus, for those who care for them, for scientists working to find a cure, and for all those who are anxious and afraid during this time of uncertainty.  

If you are unable to attend Mass due to Coronavirus restrictions, illness or age, you can find resources — daily Scripture readings, Mass online, the Pope’s messages and Masses — at the diocesan resource page: rcda.org/coronavirus/resources 

SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS FOR MASS

For those who are suffering in the current outbreak of sickness that they may be healed, and for the happy repose of all who have died from this sickness in recent week; let us pray to the Lord For scientists, health professionals, public officials, and all who are serving the common good in this difficult and uncertain time, that they will be filled with wisdom and understanding; let us pray to the Lord That in times of illness, our merciful and loving Father will strengthen our faith and trust in his goodness and divine providence; let us pray to the Lord That our compassionate Father would touch all affected by the current outbreak with healing and peace; let us pray to the Lord.