FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“Until further notice”.  While some places have set a distinct timeframe , our mandate is “until further notice”.  With the situation ever in flux, this recognizes the need for flexibility and reduces confusion.

Setting a certain date or even a clear estimate at this time is very difficult.  Still, we know guidelines are being established, and each parish might now be thinking about how to promote, educate, and implement those guidelines as they are released.  For example, have extra training for Ministers of Hospitality may be needed to care for seating households at a distance and guiding single-file communion lines.  General guidelines will be eventually set, but implementation may vary parish to parish.  For example, if "communion lines are to be single-file" is one of the general guidelines, how this would be implemented with ushers and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion would vary depending on the layout of an individual parish's layout.

While civil restraints have been lifted for spiritual gatherings, this was done out of respect for the freedom of religion and civil liberties.  The civil guidelines were not lifted to encourage gatherings, nor as an indication that it would be wise (or even OK) to do so. 

The restriction to 10 is to be observed by all parishes in the Archdiocese.  This is a sacrifice and an act of prudence.
The “rule of 10” is not to be compromised. In fact, the Archbishop is celebrating 7 different ordination liturgies with a total attendance of 10 at each.  Funerals for priests were celebrated with only 10.  Pastors understand how difficult this is.  Please pray for those being ordained, as well as for families that have marriages, baptisms, and funerals during this time.  Pray with hope and zeal for the day that full expression of the Christian mysteries will be celebrated with our liturgy, knowing liturgy always means community.

No "private" offerings of masses at homes!  It is a laudable desire, but as we are trying to “flatten the curve”, priests are advised to avoid any activity that confounds the intent of social distancing.  This includes more than “avoiding groups of 10” and “maintaining a 6-foot distance”.  People can be contagious yet asymptomatic.  We are advised to strict observance of social distancing out of charity for all, for the protection of the priests as well as those they wish to serve. 

An aside: any sense of favoritism within the parish is thus avoided.

Livestreaming music protected by copyright requires the appropriate permissions. 
Generally this means:

- Music played (sung, accompanied, or intstrumental) requires permission to livestream.  Failure to comply may result in assessed fees and possibly fines.

- Ownership of printed materials (e.g. books or sheet music) does not provide permission

- Acknowledging the license is necessary, whether embedded in the video, or in the description (e.g. YouTube) or Facebook post containing the video/livestream.

- This applies to Mass settings, excepting the chants in the Roman Missal are free use.

- Generally, this does not apply to music that is more than 75 years old.  However, a new arrangement of an old song, like Pange Lingua, may be protected under copyright.

- For information on licenses: see OneLicense.net/how-it-works

Many obstacles would need to be overcome for churches to be open without compromising the intent of social distancing.  It is imperative that we avoid compromising these efforts.  If open, care must be taken to regularly clean and disinfect common surfaces throughout the day.

Priests are to maintain distances of 6 feet during confessions while care must be taken that groups larger than 10 are not gathered.   Confined spaces (e.g. confessional chapels!) are to be avoided.  Common surfaces are to be cleansed/disaffected often.  In cases of urgency and danger of death, priests are currently allowed to administer the Sacrament of Anointing and Viaticum, while being intentional of handwashing before and after for the safety of all.  Masks are encouraged to be worn by all.

The Elect (those to be baptized) have been dispensed by the Archbishop from the required public scrutinies.  Coordinators have already received guidance, and this video does an excellent job covering RCIA details: Team RCIA  When and how they are able to celebrate their initiation will be determined at the parish level, dependent on the needs of the local community.