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Updated Covid-19 Liturgical ProtocolsMay 17, 2021 PROTOCOLOS LITÚRGICOS COVID-19 DE LA DIÓCESIS DE SIOUX CITY ACTUALIZADOSThe Sioux City Diocese continues to recommend that all clergy, staff, and parishioners follow current public health recommendations. With the new CDC recommendations (released May 13) and consultation with the COVID-19 diocesan task force forming the guiding principles, Bishop Nickless is promulgating the following liturgical protocols to be effective immediately.Confessions
Pastors may implement these protocols as soon as they are able with the understanding that the necessary preparations may take several weeks. Pastors also have the option to tighten restrictions only in consultation with the Office of the Bishop and local health authorities.
Mass Obligation- Bishop Nickless is currently drafting a decree to reinstate the obligation to attend Mass on June 5 and 6, 2021, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).
Facemasks- Facemasks are no longer required to be worn at liturgies, parish events, and in parish offices by those who have been fully vaccinated. Those who have been fully vaccinated and wish to continue wearing facemasks as a precaution may continue to do so.
- Those who have not been fully vaccinated (age 2 and above) are strongly recommended to continue wearing a facemask at liturgies, parish events, and in parish offices.
- Staff who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear facemasks in the office. However, it is strongly recommended that the general non-staff public and office receptionists both wear facemasks when greeting one another.
Sanitizing- Sanitizing the church following daily Mass and similar small liturgies may cease.
- Weekend sanitization is to be practiced according to the needs and discretion of the local pastor and the churches and facilities in his care.
- Parishes are to continue providing hand sanitizer for liturgies and parish events.
Capacity- Church capacity may return to 100%, without social distancing in the pews or the sanctuary.
- Those maintaining attendance or requiring reservations at Mass may cease.
- Meetings and parish events of any size at the parish facilities are approved with the strong recommendation that facemasks are worn by people who are not fully vaccinated.
- Confessions may return to normal spacing within the church confessionals.
- Screens within the confessionals are encouraged.
- For those parishes who have not already done so, scheduled confession times may fully return.
Music- Congregational singing may resume, including the various parts of the Mass.
- Hymnals, missalettes, and worship aids may be resume being used.
- Choirs may return to normal sizes.
The Celebration of Mass- Holy water and baptismal fonts may be filled for use.
- Collections may be taken up at the offertory with baskets.
- Collections may be counted as normal.
- The offertory procession with the presentation of the gifts of bread and wine may resume.
- The Sign of Peace, which is an optional rite in the Mass, will continue to be omitted.
- Holy Communion will continue to be distributed only under the species of bread.
- Communion plexiglass barrier stations may be removed.
- Deacons may receive the Precious Blood from an additional chalice or by way of intinction. As a general reminder, only priests are allowed to self-communicate.
- It is required to sanitize fingers after giving Communion in the mouth.
Anointing- Whether for baptism, anointing of the sick, or delegated confirmations.
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