Phase 1 Guidelines for Resuming Holy Communion
1. We will resume a public Holy Communion for our parishioners and friends this coming Saturday, May 30. The Mass will be absolutely valid, the real thing, but it will be abbreviated. We will limit the number of parishioners to about 25 souls to each Mass. After spacing for social distancing has been taken into account, we will have 10 pews which will be clearly marked. There will be plenty of room for everyone to worship quietly and safely. When you sign up for a specific Mass, you as an individual, or you and your family, will be assigned a pew. A single person takes a whole pew. Do not blend pews. One family per pew or one person per pew. A small family of two or three may not invite a single person to sit with them in a pew. That would be natural for us at All Saints under normal circumstances, but these are not normal circumstances. In order to accomplish this in an orderly manner there is a sign-up form for service times on our website.
2. No singing. As important as singing is to the Anglican Way, at this time, neither the choir nor the congregation will sing hymns in any part of the Divine Liturgy. As Fr. Gene Godbold wrote, “Singing liberates more lung liquid/vapor/aerosols than any other activity than coughing or sneezing.” Therefore at this first stage we will not be singing the Mass. Even though that is the case, Ken Myers has been working with the Choir to figure out a way for us to sing a closing hymn in the parking lot after the Mass. Though we will not do that this first week, we look forward to some singing in the sunlight of our parking lot! In addition to that he has been working with Wallace, our great organist, to provide a prelude and postlude for the Mass.
3. Masks are required without exception for people who are old enough to keep from pulling them off. I do not enjoy wearing masks any more than anyone else, but we have to remember this is what we do for others, not only ourselves. If you do not have a mask, there will be disposable ones available at church.
4. The sermon will be online for the time being.
5. No nursery. Please see the Tips & Guidelines for Families.
6. Receiving the Holy Communion. Your bulletin will be in the pew assigned to you. The Mass will begin when the Celebrant enters the nave from the sacristy. Everyone should stand when the Celebrant enters the nave. When it is time for making ones communion, pews should dismiss one at a time and approach the altar. We will have the floor clearly marked with tape at a minimum of 6 feet units to help with social distancing.
7. How to receive the Holy Communion. One person at a time approaches the celebrant who stands with the ciborium at the entrance to the sanctuary. (No kneeling at the altar rails.) Hold out both hands with your right hand placed over your left hand. The celebrant will place the host into your palm. The communicant will then step to his or her right or left (depending on which side of the nave he or she is sitting) to the spot marked on the floor, carefully drop your mask and place the Host into your mouth. The parishioner then makes the sign of the cross, replaces the mask, disinfects his hands at the station provided and returns to the pews. There will also be hand disinfectant in each pew. After everyone has communicated who wishes to communicate, the celebrant will return to the Altar and complete the ablutions, after which he will begin saying the Thanksgiving and the Gloria. After the Gloria he will give the final blessing and return to the sacristy or the narthex, reciting the Prologue to the Fourth Gospel. The congregation should stand as the celebrant processes to the sacristy or out toward the narthex.
8. After you have said your last personal prayers, you may leave the nave being careful to maintain social distancing for the sake of others. Take your bulletin home with you or throw it away. Please maintain your distance and especially be careful not to stop to talk in the narthex.
Of course, parishioners may catch up with one another outside but please for the sake of others maintain social distancing. This may be especially difficult for our younger children so please be attentive.
9. No coffee hour.
10. The Alms Basin will be placed on a table near the back of the Nave. You may place your offering in the basin, or continue to mail a check or use online giving at our website.
11. Think “gym etiquette” when using the bathroom (only the upstairs bathroom will be open for the first four weeks). Only one person at a time unless you’re a parent helping a child. And like at the gym, if you use a machine you wipe it down before and after use. Sanitary towels and disinfectant spray will be provided.
12. As soon as everyone has left the nave the cleaning volunteers will begin cleaning the pews for the next service.
This is phase 1 of our reunion. It is not the way it will always be but it must be this way for now.
Our assumption is that you have been quarantining and have to a very minimum any public contact. We also assume that if you have already reentered the work force that you have been careful to follow the universal procedures of safety for this pandemic.
If you have visited parts of the country where there are hot spots or high amounts of infection, then you should quarantine for 2 weeks before attending Mass. This includes family members returning from college or the military.
If you have symptoms of any respiratory illness stay home and call the office (434-979-2842) so that we can make special arrangements for you.
If you have a question about this please feel free to contact Fr. Glenn by phone or email or text.
These are measures that you should take on behalf of other parishioners. Be attentive, be intelligent, be reasonable, be responsible. Don’t take risks with your health or the health of your fellow parishioners.
Pentecost & Trinity blessings to you all!
– Fr. Glenn