Saint Anthony's Parish

From the Dioces of Stockton:
Effective beginning Wednesday, December 15th through January 15th, the State of California will require universal masking indoors in order to address the increase in COVID-19 cases.

As we approach the great feast of Christmas, we have seen case numbers and hospitalizations due to Covid-19 increasing in our state.

 A few reminders and clarifications:
•    Provision should still be made for ministers of Holy Communion to conveniently sanitize their hands should they make inadvertent contact with a communicant, whether a small table at their station, an altar server ready to bring some to a minister who needs it, etc.
•    While the guidelines from June state that contact-free ways of taking up collections are preferred, since physical contact with shared items is not a major driver of COVID infections, passing baskets is acceptable.
•    Vaccination is strongly encouraged for all who are able. However, with other precautions in place (masking, hand hygiene, etc.), it should not be considered a requirement for liturgical ministry. Every minister must take their responsibility for health precautions with utmost seriousness. No one should serve (or attend Mass) if they feel unwell or should be quarantining.
Regarding masking:
•    Everyone who is not exempt needs to wear a mask in public indoor settings from December 15 – January 15. This requirement will be re-evaluated at that time.
 
•    Those leading prayer do not need to wear a mask while speaking.
 
•    While choirs need to wear masks (like everyone else in the congregation), a cantor does not need to while proclaiming the psalm from the ambo. A single cantor set apart from others does not have to wear a mask while leading music. Choirs should be particularly cautious regarding rehearsals, especially if they take place in small, enclosed rooms (consider practicing in a more open, ventilated space if possible).
 
•    Lectors should not wear masks while proclaiming the readings.
Mary, Mother of God and our mother, pray for us and for an end to the pandemic.

In the Peace of Christ,

Bishop Myron J. Cotta