COVID–19 GUIDANCE FOR PASTORS
EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 15, 2022
In light of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in both Delaware and Maryland, parishes are advised to discontinue all previous COVID-19 guidance beginning as soon as possible with the exception of the following:
1. Parishes are still encouraged to practice safety measures that include a consistent sanitizing of common areas, hand sanitizer available at all entrances and support a welcoming environment for those members of your parishes who wish to wear masks.
2. All concelebrating priests, as well as deacons assisting at the Mass, may continue to receive Communion at the usual time and in the usual manner. However, each must continue to use a separate chalice from the main celebrant or receive by intinction.
3. Distribution of the Precious Blood continues to be prohibited.
a. Parishes should also continue to have sanitization readily available if an individual distributing communion believes they made contact with the person’s mouth or saliva.
Lent and Easter 2022– All parishes are encouraged to return to or maintain accepted liturgical norms and practices that were in place pre-COVID-19. If a parish wishes to maintain any modified practices (such as the sprinkling of ashes or using cotton swaps) due to specific concerns at the parish, please ensure these practices are consistent with what was adopted for Lent and Easter last season. All decisions concerning these practices will be up to the discretion of the pastor.
For information from the State of Delaware, click here.
Lord God, true Physician and Healer,
be merciful to us and grant us your aid in these troubled times.
Heal all our sickness and every affliction of your people,
especially those suffering from the pandemic that has spread so widely.
Drive out our infirmities of soul and body;
free us from all disease and especially from this scourge.
We place in your hands the elderly, the frail,
people with disability, children, young people and families,
those who are poor, lonely, and isolated.
Give them patience and hope.
We ask for your blessing on all those who care for the sick:
doctors, nurses, EMTs, first responders of any kind.
Shield them, guide them, strengthen them as
they administer treatments and care.
We implore your blessing on medical researchers and scientists
who are tirelessly working to find cures and treatments.
Reveal new ideas and accelerate their discoveries to fight this disease.
Finally, we ask that you bless our elected leaders as they enact policies and directives that are meant to protect us and keep us safe.
May they respond to the challenges of this affliction
with prudence and sound judgment.
May their planning alleviate economic burdens, compensate for losses, protect employment, and ensure ample food for the poor and isolated.
We place our trust in you, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen
Loving God,
we place into your care
all our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.
Give them courage of heart
and strength of mind and body.
Keep them safe from harm.
May they know our deep gratitude
for all they are doing
to heal and help those affected by
the coronavirus.
God of all consolation
may they know your protection and peace.
Bless them in these challenging days
and bless their families.
Amen