We’ve received new communication from the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, in regards to Governor Holcomb’s announcement on March 12th, in which the governor states that non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people. Therefore, Bishop Doherty is dispensing Catholics in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, but regularly scheduled public Masses will go on. This is not a permanent dispensation and we will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. It is also important to note that since January 1st, our largest Sunday Mass gathering has been no more than 230 people.
The following guidelines are in effect throughout the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana and here at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church:
· All elderly (as defined by the health department as 60+ years of age) volunteers and those with compromised immune systems should stay home.
· Call the office instead of coming in for nonessential issues.
· All nursing home and homebound visits are canceled.
· Weddings/Funerals/Confirmations will continue as planned unless further recommendations are issued by the local health department.
· Parish meetings and small gatherings may continue as planned unless further recommendations are issued by the local health department.
If county schools are closed then Religious Education and Youth Ministry will also be canceled.
Precautionary measures we'll be taking at all Masses include:
· We will be refraining from the use of the holy water fonts.
· It is recommended that all receive Holy Communion in the hand so as to avoid the possibility of spreading infected saliva.
o Individuals who insist on receiving the Eucharist on the tongue should wait until the end of Holy Communion in order to be the final communicants, limiting possible virus transmission. This is requested as an act of charity toward their brothers and sisters in the congregation.
o We will be suspending the exchange of the sign of peace.
o Please acknowledge each other's presence without physical contact – i.e. with a bow of the head or a wave to each other.
o Please do not hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer.
o Remember, Jesus Christ is wholly and permanently present under both of the consecrated species, both the bread and/or the wine.
We will not be passing the collection baskets at Mass. Please drop your tithes in the basket in the center aisle.
Finally, as a reminder, below are some additional steps that the CDC recommends to help prevent the spread of germs:
· Stay home when sick. The recommended time frame is to stay home until fever free for at least 24 hours.
· Avoid touching eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue. If one is not available, cover coughs or sneezes with the inside of your elbow. Immediately dispose of used tissues.
We will send additional updates as the situation evolves, but here are some helpful links:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC Information on COVID-19):
cdc.gov/coronavirus/20... Indiana State Department of Health (Info on Coronavirus, COVID-19):
in.gov/isdh/28470.htm... Miami County Health Department (Public Health Readiness):
miamicountyin.gov/quic... God bless, Fr. Adam Mauman