Recent executive orders from Governor Murphy have significantly relaxed some of the restrictions imposed to control the spread of COVID-19. The following guidelines are issued for the Diocese of Camden:
LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS – The faithful participating in Mass are expected to wear masks in accord with CDC guidelines for indoor gatherings and are to be encouraged to practice social distancing. As previously noted, at the discretion of pastors, all pews may be opened for seating. A section of pews should be designated for those who would prefer to keep a greater distance. Again, at the pastor’s discretion, altar servers, lectors, ushers, greeters and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion can be returned to service. Ushers may take up the offertory collection at the proper time and the procession to present the gifts of bread and wine may be resumed. The distribution of Holy Communion should be returned to its proper place within the Communion Rite. Parishes must be vigilant about cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
PARISH MEETINGS – The limit for indoor meetings beginning today is 50% of a room’s capacity with no more than 250 persons. This will rise to 100% of a room’s capacity with no more than 250 persons on Wednesday, May 19th. For general meetings – all participants are expected to wear masks. For meetings where in all participants are known to be vaccinated (school board; pastoral council; finance council; engaged encounter; marriage prep; etc.) masks are not required. Parishes must be vigilant about cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
OUTDOOR EVENTS – The limit for outdoor events is currently 500 persons. All limits on outdoor gatherings will be lifted on May 19th as long as social distancing is practiced. Those who are two-weeks passed vaccination are not required to wear masks.
FOOD SERVICES – Restrictions on food service and beverage stations have been lifted. It is recommended, where possible, that food be served. This can be accomplished by actually serving plated meals to people seated at tables or to call small numbers of people to a buffet where individuals behind the buffet are serving. The practical concern here is that multiple people should not be touching the same serving utensils or the release mechanism and handle on coffee pots/urns.
There is flexibility here depending on the nature of the group and the percentage of persons vaccinated. The smaller the group (a staff luncheon, senior group, Knights of Columbus) and the more closely related they are, the safer it is to have self-service stations. The larger the group (BINGO, a graduation luncheon, parish meatball dinner), the safer it is to provide service.
Hand sanitizer is should be readily available and those serving at a buffet or beverage station should wear both masks and gloves.
More information may be found at https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/reopening-guidance-and-restrictions/when-and-how-is-new-jersey-lifting-restrictions-what-does-a-responsible-and-strategic-restart-of-new-jerseys-economy-look-like
The dispensation from the obligation to participate in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days remains in effect until the Bishops of New Jersey decide otherwise. Due notice will be given when the bishops decide to lift the dispensation.
REMINDER
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord has been transferred in the Province of New Jersey from Thursday, May 13th to Sunday, May 16th.