During the course of the pandemic, St. Gregory the Great has implemented many protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As guidance from health officials updated, and circumstances surrounding us changed, we’ve updated and loosened our protocols accordingly. Currently, there are very few protocols that are still in place, and we’ve been very cautious about removing them. While the pandemic has not “ended,” our protocols have become less and less important to retain.
According to CDC guidelines, Mercer County has recently moved into the low-risk category for COVID-19 transmission, and you will see most of our remaining protocols removed or adjusted the next time you attend Mass. The most notable being that all ministers of Holy Communion will have the option to wear masks while distributing the Sacrament, instead of being required to do so. Also, we will be announcing the “Sign of Peace” once again, at the appropriate point in the Mass.
We will continue to monitor the surrounding area, and listen to the best guidance about how to deal with what is quickly becoming an endemic virus, but there is a good feeling in being able to take more steps towards normalcy.
One thing that I would like to highlight as we loosen our protocols has to do with the “Sign of Peace.” Please recognize that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to proximity and physical contact…which is to be expected after over two years of “trauma” from our pandemic experiences. So, while offering the sign of peace, physical contact (hug or handshake) is allowed, but not required. Hand waves and nods of the head may be the preferred sign that many will stick with at this time, and that preference should be respected - now and always.
Let’s hope and pray that we keep moving forward as we emerge from this pandemic, and I thank you for your patience with me, our ministers, and one another over the last two + years.