Important Changes in Church Virus Protocols

Starting this weekend, masks are no longer required for vaccinated people in the State of Massachusetts. The State does advise that non-vaccinated people continue to wear masks. For many people this is a long-awaited change, while others may not be vaccinated or have other reasons to remain cautious. The following PWC policy changes (consistent with CDC and Archdiocesan safety guidelines) are designed to allow all parishioners and guests the freedom to follow their conscience in choosing the practices that are most appropriate for themselves or their families, while respecting those around them.
 

• Each church is prepared to accommodate both those choose social distancing and masks, and those no longer needing these precautions. For now, this will be accomplished by reserved seating sections.
• At St. Martha: precaution seating is on the pulpit side of the aisle; open seating on the music side. At St. Mary: precaution seating is in the side wings; open seating is in the main center section.
• Greeters & Ushers will help people find seating with which they are comfortable. Volunteers and staff will neither ask vaccination status nor police peoples decisions. As mature Christians, we are all called to personal responsibility and mutual respect.

What will not be changing:

• Anyone feeling ill is asked not to attend Mass in person for the safety of others in attendance.
• Our Hospitality Volunteers & staff will still make sure that fresh air is flowing & surfaces are sanitized in accord with CDC guidelines (we exceed the current standards by sanitizing daily).

As we continue our gradual progress back to regular worship together, this transitional plan should make our parishes more welcoming and comfortable for those who do not need precautions while also providing those with ongoing concerns a welcoming place where they can feel safe.

Thank you for continuing to love one another as this pandemic winds down, and especially for your immense patience with the need to protect the most vulnerable among us. We pray for countries where this pandemic is still raging. May the day soon come that all people of the world are freed from the burdens of this new disease, and we may all return to being able to be close to and embrace those we love and those who need our support. Amen.