09.01.2021
In response to many concerns regarding the mandatory wearing of masks, please be advised:
The Department of Pastoral and Educational Services directs that all parish processes for adults, youth and children held inside any parish buildings comply with the mandatory mask wearing by all persons, those unvaccinated, and those vaccinated, until further notice. These directives are in harmony with the Center for Disease Control preventative strategies. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to learn how to best provide for the safety of all.
PLEASE FOLLOW
1. Pastoral care with sensitivity must be our first and guiding principle. As circumstances allow for different approaches, please use continued caution and care in planning for our parish families. The promotion of the common good, a gospel imperative, will be necessary.
2. As ministers of our parishes, it is expected that our behavior reflects for others the safety of those entrusted to our care. It is our responsibility to understand and implement the best public health guidance of the CDC, State and local government agencies, and to expect our employees and volunteers to assist our efforts.
3. All gathered events for adult faith formation, youth ministry, young adult ministry, elementary catechesis, and for Christian Initiation must follow the guidelines by the CDC. Take steps to limit the size of gatherings and follow the guidelines of the CDC prevention strategies, including regular communication with families and participants with adjustments mandated by changing circumstances. Open and honest dialog is essential.
4. It is advisable to design alternative processes, including hybrid models for parent meetings, for RCIA, youth and children faith formation, and packets for home use, for persons who prefer that option, and if health advisories mandate a change of plans in your county.
4. Promote healthy hygiene practices. The extra steps taken in 2020 -2021 should continue with proper cleaning, disinfection and ventilation for all events. When activities are held, activity leaders must supply soap and hand sanitizer. This is particularly important when more than one group is using common spaces, as in school and parish processes sharing the building. Post Ohio Department of Health or CDC signs where appropriate.
5. Mindful of the common good, and respectful of the community, the mandatory mask wearing inside all parish buildings is a sign of love, and solidarity with others.
6. Minimize sharing of materials and other items and offer prepackaged food and drink at events.
7. Posting images that reflect non-compliance of guidelines provided by the CDC, State and local government agencies is strictly prohibited. This directive remains in effect.
8. With the understanding that the majority of children and teens have not been vaccinated, overnight trips continue to be strongly discouraged. Parishes choosing to hold overnight activities must be able to fully comply with all the CDC, State and local health protocols, the diocesan directives, and proper parent/guardian permissions.
9. Offsite activities can take place at locations that are acting in accordance with all CDC, Ohio, and local health department guidelines. It is important to recheck the guidelines regularly and leading up to the actual event.
10. Transportation for offsite activities should be provided by the parent/guardian as possible. Carpooling is strongly inadvisable. Please follow the guidance of the bussing company and local health department when using busses to transport youth and adults. Masks must be worn on all public transportation, in adherence with federal law.
11. Do promote accurate formation on the effectiveness of Vaccination, compliance with mask wearing and hand washing. Pope Francis, the Vatican Bioethics Academy, and the Vatican’s doctrine office have repeatedly stated that the Covid vaccines are morally acceptable, and participation is an act of love and solidarity with one another for the common good.
12. It is important to remember that Diocesan Safe Environment policies remain in effect. All employees and volunteers must be compliant, and follow regulations for gathered and virtual events.
Helpful Links:
Ohio Coronavirus Website:
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/
Center for Disease Control website
www.CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019
Catholiccares.org
https://catholiccares.org/
In response to many concerns regarding the mandatory wearing of masks, please be advised:
The Department of Pastoral and Educational Services directs that all parish processes for adults, youth and children held inside any parish buildings comply with the mandatory mask wearing by all persons, those unvaccinated, and those vaccinated, until further notice. These directives are in harmony with the Center for Disease Control preventative strategies. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to learn how to best provide for the safety of all.
PLEASE FOLLOW
1. Pastoral care with sensitivity must be our first and guiding principle. As circumstances allow for different approaches, please use continued caution and care in planning for our parish families. The promotion of the common good, a gospel imperative, will be necessary.
2. As ministers of our parishes, it is expected that our behavior reflects for others the safety of those entrusted to our care. It is our responsibility to understand and implement the best public health guidance of the CDC, State and local government agencies, and to expect our employees and volunteers to assist our efforts.
3. All gathered events for adult faith formation, youth ministry, young adult ministry, elementary catechesis, and for Christian Initiation must follow the guidelines by the CDC. Take steps to limit the size of gatherings and follow the guidelines of the CDC prevention strategies, including regular communication with families and participants with adjustments mandated by changing circumstances. Open and honest dialog is essential.
4. It is advisable to design alternative processes, including hybrid models for parent meetings, for RCIA, youth and children faith formation, and packets for home use, for persons who prefer that option, and if health advisories mandate a change of plans in your county.
4. Promote healthy hygiene practices. The extra steps taken in 2020 -2021 should continue with proper cleaning, disinfection and ventilation for all events. When activities are held, activity leaders must supply soap and hand sanitizer. This is particularly important when more than one group is using common spaces, as in school and parish processes sharing the building. Post Ohio Department of Health or CDC signs where appropriate.
5. Mindful of the common good, and respectful of the community, the mandatory mask wearing inside all parish buildings is a sign of love, and solidarity with others.
6. Minimize sharing of materials and other items and offer prepackaged food and drink at events.
7. Posting images that reflect non-compliance of guidelines provided by the CDC, State and local government agencies is strictly prohibited. This directive remains in effect.
8. With the understanding that the majority of children and teens have not been vaccinated, overnight trips continue to be strongly discouraged. Parishes choosing to hold overnight activities must be able to fully comply with all the CDC, State and local health protocols, the diocesan directives, and proper parent/guardian permissions.
9. Offsite activities can take place at locations that are acting in accordance with all CDC, Ohio, and local health department guidelines. It is important to recheck the guidelines regularly and leading up to the actual event.
10. Transportation for offsite activities should be provided by the parent/guardian as possible. Carpooling is strongly inadvisable. Please follow the guidance of the bussing company and local health department when using busses to transport youth and adults. Masks must be worn on all public transportation, in adherence with federal law.
11. Do promote accurate formation on the effectiveness of Vaccination, compliance with mask wearing and hand washing. Pope Francis, the Vatican Bioethics Academy, and the Vatican’s doctrine office have repeatedly stated that the Covid vaccines are morally acceptable, and participation is an act of love and solidarity with one another for the common good.
12. It is important to remember that Diocesan Safe Environment policies remain in effect. All employees and volunteers must be compliant, and follow regulations for gathered and virtual events.
Helpful Links:
Ohio Coronavirus Website:
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/
Center for Disease Control website
www.CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019
Catholiccares.org
https://catholiccares.org/