2. How many can attend for 25% capacity?
At Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, we can hold around 250 individuals to maintain 25% capacity along with practicing current social distancing guidelines of maintaining 6 feet between those in separate households.3. What if more than 250 people show up?
We have set up St. Joseph’s Hall for overflow, where the other priest will celebrate a full Mass, if we are in need. We believe the crowd will be greatest at 9:30 and 11, but we shall see. Both Fr. Scott and Fr. Christopher will be ready to do extra duty if the need arises. We will do our best to accommodate all who wish to enter and pray.4. Do I have to wear a mask? Gloves?
For anyone planning to attend Mass, it is required that face coverings or masks be worn in and around the church. Masks may be removed momentarily to receive Communion. The only exception for face coverings is children under two years old. Gloves are not required but can be worn at the comfort level of each individual.5. Are you still live streaming Mass?
Yes! The 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday and the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday will be live streamed on Facebook and on our website.6. How do I practice proper social distancing?
Inside churches and on the church property, physical distancing must be practiced by staying at least six feet apart, with the exception of individuals from the same household.7. Will I be able to receive Communion?
Communion will be available to those attending Mass, although it is not a moral obligation. The distribution of the Precious Blood to the faithful will continue to be suspended. Those receiving Communion must do their best to be at least six feet apart from the priest or extraordinary minister while extending their hands. If you choose to wear gloves in the Church please remove them before presenting yourself for communion8. How will the church be cleaned?
Adhering to the provided guidelines, parishes will conduct regular and thorough cleaning and disinfection. After each liturgy, items used by the public will be disinfected, such as door handles, restrooms and pews. All vessels will be cleaned with warm water and soap.9. How are you doing offertory?
We will not be passing baskets during the Mass. Baskets will be placed at the back of church and you may place your envelope there. You may also continue giving via online donation. Find more information on Ways to Give here.10. I feel sick/have a compromised immune system/asthma, is it okay if I stay home?
Yes! If you are not feeling well, have a compromised immune system or simply are not comfortable with coming out to a public gathering at this time I ask you to stay home. The Archbishop has given everyone in the Archdiocese a dispensation from our obligation to attend Mass through Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021. This means you should not “push it” and try to attend in person if you feel uneasy in any way. It also means you absolutely should not use Mass attendance as a means of “meeting your neighbor just because.” Coming for the liturgy at this time is about hearing the Word of God and receiving Him in the Eucharist for the salvation of your soul. Again, coming to Mass or not during this time is about loving God and neighbor; meaning your eternal salvation. It is not about using your faith to prove political points of view or to take a stand one way or another. At the same time, one should not take advantage of the dispensation without a true need. Catholics who have already begun to engage in non-essential activities, such as widening one’s social circle or going out to eat, should return to Sunday Mass – an essential activity – as church capacity allows.