New Directives for the reopening of our Church for public worship.
Beginning this Weekend May 30th and 31st and onward.
Masses Schedule
Saturday:
Vigil Mass 5:00 PM English.
Sunday:
7:30 AM Portuguese
9:00 AM English
10:30 AM English
5:00 PM English
The restrictions may make it difficult for everyone to attend Mass on Saturday and Sunday, please consider attending Mass during the week.
7:30 AM Bilingual Mass is celebrated in Portuguese-English: MON, TUES, WED, THU, FRI.
We will continue to broadcast Mass online until we are able to have everybody back to church.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Before and after every Liturgical service, all used surfaces in the church will be thoroughly sanitized by Volunteer Parishioners.
Hand sanitizer will be provided near the entrance of the church.
Parishioner should bring their own hand sanitizer to use before Holy Communion.
Face-coverings/masks are to be worn by the faithful in and around the church (except for those under 2 years old). The masks will be removed just to receive Holy Communion, after the priest says “the body of Christ” and the communicant responds “Amen”.
Physical distancing, of at least 6 feet apart, is to be practiced in the church and on the church property at all times. Reminders and directives for physical distancing will be signified by signs, tape, and/or other means.
To enter the church: use only the front main doors, all other doors will be closed, except the door for people with disabilities.
These entrance doors will be clearly marked. Those coming to the church from the parking lot must enter through the main door. The side doors are locked.
The exit doors are for exiting only, and will be will be clearly marked. These are the two doors leading to the parking lot side.
The current limit is 70 people. Our church is allowed to host 25% of total capacity. This limit will allow people to remain at least 6 feet apart. We won’t make “reservations”, or use other ways such as “sign-up”, phone call or electronic means to select who is to come to Mass. We will use the criteria of “first come, first serve”. Our advice is for young families with children to prioritize the 10:30 AM Mass.. They can sit together and in this way we can have more people.
Most vulnerable individuals, as well as senior citizens, with compromised health conditions, are encouraged to stay home. Anyone ill, with a temperature, cough, or respiratory difficulties, should definitely stay home.
Holy Water fonts will remain empty. But continue the gesture of making the sign of the Cross when entering the church.
Seating for the assembly: It is clearly designated where seating is permitted (such as seating available in every other pew and any closed-off section). Those living in the same household may sit together without distancing.
Hymnals and missalettes are temporarily not used. We are looking into the possibility to provide a half page letter sized printed worship aid for one-time use. Parishioners must bring them home.
Smart phones may be used to follow the readings online during Mass. See web page http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/053120-vigil.cfm of The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Music: Organists (and a Cantor) only. They will not be wearing masks. We will announce, as soon as possible, when the Choir will be allowed to sing again.
The gifts will be at the Altar. No procession of the gifts.
Budget Envelopes/Donations: Collection baskets will not be passed in the pews.
A collection basket will be provided at the back of the church for parishioners. You may also continue to make your offerings via the mail, egiving, electronically through your bank’s bill pay system or drop-off through the rectory mail slot located in the front door of the rectory
Sign of Peace. Parishioners may acknowledge in a physically distant way.
Holy Communion. There will be two stations, one on each side of the main aisle for reception of the Holy Communion. While we have two priests only they will be distributing Holy Communion. Receiving of the Host will be in the hand only. No gloves allowed to distribute or to receive Holy Communion. Instead, proper hand hygiene should be observed. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable, they are not required to receive Holy Communion during Mass. A person may legitimately remain in the pew and make an Act of Spiritual Communion.
Communion for the sick, homebound and nursing home residents: We will resume this ministry only when all parishioners are back to the church
Dismissal and Recessional: To avoid large numbers leaving at the same time, volunteers will help direct Parishioners to the exit doors one pew/section at a time.
The priests will greet parishioners in a physically distant way.
Funerals
Funerals are permitted, with some restrictions and additional guidelines. Please call the Parish Office for details.
Baptism and Weddings
Baptisms and Weddings are permitted with some restrictions. Please call the Parish Office or talk to the Pastor
First Communion and Confirmation
For now these sacraments are suspended; we expect to be able to book the dates for October or November. Wait for further notice.
CCD registrations and classes
Wait for further notice. Registrations will be announced, but there is no date scheduled to resume the classes.
Food Pantry
Will remain closed until further notice. But if there is someone in need of food or assistance to pay utilities or rental shall call the office for help.
Church Open Doors
From 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM - Monday through Sunday
Church will be open during the day for private prayer. All distancing guidelines must be observed. Handwashing/sanitizing must also be observed. Limit touching surfaces.
Dispensation from the Sunday Obligation
All the faithful in the Diocese of Providence have been dispensed from their Sunday obligation to attend Mass since March 2020, and this dispensation will continue to remain in effect until further notice.
Confession
The Sacrament of Penance will be offered on Saturdays from 4:20 PM to 4:50 PM prior to the 5:00 PM Mass. The confessional room allows for social distancing and health protocols.
Parish Office
To serve our parish community, the parish office is open through the pandemic for phone calls, mail, and email.
For the protection of the health of our parish community of Saint Elizabeth Parish in Bristol RI and in compliance with the regulations in force, we have thought about how to resume the celebrations of Holy Mass and other liturgical celebrations in our Church.
Masses Schedule
Saturday:
Vigil Mass 5:00 PM English.
Sunday:
7:30 AM Portuguese
9:00 AM English
10:30 AM English
5:00 PM English
The restrictions may make it difficult for everyone to attend Mass on Saturday and Sunday, please consider attending Mass during the week.
7:30 AM Bilingual Mass is celebrated in Portuguese-English: MON, TUES, WED, THU, FRI.
We will continue to broadcast Mass online until we are able to have everybody back to church.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Before and after every Liturgical service, all used surfaces in the church will be thoroughly sanitized by Volunteer Parishioners.
Hand sanitizer will be provided near the entrance of the church.
Parishioner should bring their own hand sanitizer to use before Holy Communion.
Face-coverings/masks are to be worn by the faithful in and around the church (except for those under 2 years old). The masks will be removed just to receive Holy Communion, after the priest says “the body of Christ” and the communicant responds “Amen”.
Physical distancing, of at least 6 feet apart, is to be practiced in the church and on the church property at all times. Reminders and directives for physical distancing will be signified by signs, tape, and/or other means.
To enter the church: use only the front main doors, all other doors will be closed, except the door for people with disabilities.
These entrance doors will be clearly marked. Those coming to the church from the parking lot must enter through the main door. The side doors are locked.
The exit doors are for exiting only, and will be will be clearly marked. These are the two doors leading to the parking lot side.
The current limit is 70 people. Our church is allowed to host 25% of total capacity. This limit will allow people to remain at least 6 feet apart. We won’t make “reservations”, or use other ways such as “sign-up”, phone call or electronic means to select who is to come to Mass. We will use the criteria of “first come, first serve”. Our advice is for young families with children to prioritize the 10:30 AM Mass.. They can sit together and in this way we can have more people.
Most vulnerable individuals, as well as senior citizens, with compromised health conditions, are encouraged to stay home. Anyone ill, with a temperature, cough, or respiratory difficulties, should definitely stay home.
Holy Water fonts will remain empty. But continue the gesture of making the sign of the Cross when entering the church.
Seating for the assembly: It is clearly designated where seating is permitted (such as seating available in every other pew and any closed-off section). Those living in the same household may sit together without distancing.
Hymnals and missalettes are temporarily not used. We are looking into the possibility to provide a half page letter sized printed worship aid for one-time use. Parishioners must bring them home.
Smart phones may be used to follow the readings online during Mass. See web page http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/053120-vigil.cfm of The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Music: Organists (and a Cantor) only. They will not be wearing masks. We will announce, as soon as possible, when the Choir will be allowed to sing again.
The gifts will be at the Altar. No procession of the gifts.
Budget Envelopes/Donations: Collection baskets will not be passed in the pews.
A collection basket will be provided at the back of the church for parishioners. You may also continue to make your offerings via the mail, egiving, electronically through your bank’s bill pay system or drop-off through the rectory mail slot located in the front door of the rectory
Sign of Peace. Parishioners may acknowledge in a physically distant way.
Holy Communion. There will be two stations, one on each side of the main aisle for reception of the Holy Communion. While we have two priests only they will be distributing Holy Communion. Receiving of the Host will be in the hand only. No gloves allowed to distribute or to receive Holy Communion. Instead, proper hand hygiene should be observed. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable, they are not required to receive Holy Communion during Mass. A person may legitimately remain in the pew and make an Act of Spiritual Communion.
Communion for the sick, homebound and nursing home residents: We will resume this ministry only when all parishioners are back to the church
Dismissal and Recessional: To avoid large numbers leaving at the same time, volunteers will help direct Parishioners to the exit doors one pew/section at a time.
The priests will greet parishioners in a physically distant way.
Funerals
Funerals are permitted, with some restrictions and additional guidelines. Please call the Parish Office for details.
Baptism and Weddings
Baptisms and Weddings are permitted with some restrictions. Please call the Parish Office or talk to the Pastor
First Communion and Confirmation
For now these sacraments are suspended; we expect to be able to book the dates for October or November. Wait for further notice.
CCD registrations and classes
Wait for further notice. Registrations will be announced, but there is no date scheduled to resume the classes.
Food Pantry
Will remain closed until further notice. But if there is someone in need of food or assistance to pay utilities or rental shall call the office for help.
Church Open Doors
From 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM - Monday through Sunday
Church will be open during the day for private prayer. All distancing guidelines must be observed. Handwashing/sanitizing must also be observed. Limit touching surfaces.
Dispensation from the Sunday Obligation
All the faithful in the Diocese of Providence have been dispensed from their Sunday obligation to attend Mass since March 2020, and this dispensation will continue to remain in effect until further notice.
Confession
The Sacrament of Penance will be offered on Saturdays from 4:20 PM to 4:50 PM prior to the 5:00 PM Mass. The confessional room allows for social distancing and health protocols.
Parish Office
To serve our parish community, the parish office is open through the pandemic for phone calls, mail, and email.
For the protection of the health of our parish community of Saint Elizabeth Parish in Bristol RI and in compliance with the regulations in force, we have thought about how to resume the celebrations of Holy Mass and other liturgical celebrations in our Church.