For Immediate Release: June 3, 2020
THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRED LITURGY DURING THE PENNSYLVANIA YELLOW PHASE AND THE ARCHDIOCESAN RESTRICTED PHASE
The Knights of Columbus, Fr. Joseph D. Gallagher Council #3673 (KOC) have been charged with assisting the Parish with the safe reopening of Holy Trinity Catholic Church for weekend Masses, with restrictions. The restrictions that will be implemented are consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (AOP), Office for Divine Worship Guidelines. The below guidelines are specifically for Holy Trinity Parish to ensure safe and transparent operations, dignified Liturgy, and proper social distancing during Saturday vigil and Sunday morning services. The AOP has continued to apply a dispensation to any Parishioner who is unable to attend Sunday Mass during the time of this COVID-19 pandemic. If you are feeling ill or are uncomfortable returning to Mass or going to a public gathering, you are encouraged to stay home and partake in a virtual Mass offered through AOP Spiritual Resources.
Mass Schedule:
Saturday: 5:30 pm
Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am
Church Opening:
http://archphila.org/resources/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: WILL I BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK OR FACE COVERING TO ENTER HOLY TRINITY CHURCH?
A: Yes, you will be required to wear a mask or face covering to enter Holy Trinity and throughout the celebration of Mass. Masks or face coverings can only be lowered to receive Holy Communion.
Q: IF I AM SICK, FEEL SICK, OR FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE ATTENDING A PUBLIC GATHERING, AM I STILL DISPENSATED FROM MY SUNDAY OBLIGATION TO ATTEND MASS?
A: Yes, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has extended the dispensation of the Sunday obligation to attend Mass even though in-person Mass will resume. If you are sick, feel sick, or are in a high-risk group, you are encouraged to stay home and watch a virtual Mass provided through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Q: WILL THE CHURCH HAVE SPECIFIED ENTRANCES AND EXITS?
A: Yes, the main doors will be used to enter Church and the four (4) side doors will be used to exit. All doors will be clearly marked. Any Parishioner needing access to the ADA Accessible doorway can see a member of the Knights of Columbus to use that doorway.
Q: WILL I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION?
A: Yes, Holy Communion will be distributed, but no distribution from the Cup until further notice.
Q: WHAT DO I DO WITH MY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTION?
A: There will be no collections by Ushers using the traditional basket. There will be a standalone basket where Parishioners can drop their donation in the front of Church. Donations can be made before Mass or on a Parishioner’s walk to receive Holy Communion.
Q: WILL THE CHURCH BE CLEANED AFTER EACH MASS?
A: Yes, the Church will be cleaned and sanitized after each Mass in accordance with CDC and AOP guidelines.
Q: HOW WILL I KNOW OF CHANGES TO THE PLANNED LITURGICAL SCHEDULES?
A: Any changes to the planned Liturgical schedules will be posted to the Holy Trinity Parish website; Holy Trinity Parish Facebook Group; Knights of Columbus Council 3673 Facebook Page, and through a Parish-wide email. Please email holytrinityRCC@aol.com to have your email included on our distribution list.
Q: IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH A PARISHIONER NOT WEARING A MASK OR FACE COVERING OR NOT MAINTAINING AN APPROPRIATE SOCIAL DISTANCE, SHOULD I WORK TO ENFORCE THE HOLY TRINITY GUIDELINES MYSELF?
A: No. You should walk to a member of the Knights of Columbus, who will be identifiable at each Mass, and ask them for assistance. Under no circumstances should any Parishioner conduct themselves in a way would result in a loss of decorum in Church.