FROM: Fr. Piotr Calik, Vicar General
RE: Update on diocesan COVID policies and guidance
There have been many questions regarding new CDC guidance and how various dioceses are implementing them.
The Diocese of Springfield is following the recommendations of our Metropolitan See - the Archdiocese of Boston and the Commonwealth. To that end, Gov. Baker intends to rescind mask wearing and fully reopen the state on May 29th.
Diocesan Offices
Effective June 14, all diocesan offices will return to 100% operations and open for business.
Regarding Masks and Social Distancing
As most of you are aware, the Centers for Disease Control issued a statement that in many settings fully vaccinated people may now go about their days not wearing masks and not social distancing.Beginning May 29 parishes can begin returning to normal procedures.
We will continue to monitor the State mandates closely for the next two (2) weeks, and we will adjust our diocesan protocols in accordance with the other Massachusetts dioceses.
At this point we are making these changes effective May 29(with the exception of item #4)
1. Vaccinated parishioners do not have to wear masks and can be seated anywhere in the church. We will operate under the honor system; no proof of vaccination will be required.
2. Dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass remains for the time being. We are coordinating with the other Massachusetts dioceses a date to end the dispensation.
3. The reception of Holy Communion and the taking up of collections may return to their pre-Covid methods.
4. With regard to cleaning the churches with disinfectant, parishes are now only required to clean the churches once a day. Parishes with more than one Mass in a day are not required to clean the church between each Mass. This is effective immediately. However, if a parish has a report of someone having attended the church, who then tests positive for COVID, the parish is still required to deep clean.
5. Following state and local healthcare guidelines, parishes can resume all social and fundraising activities.
In addition it is highly recommended that discussions between pastors and their parish leadership should take place as soon as possible regarding the implementation and return to normal procedures.
