Guidelines: Worship Together Safely Archdiocese of Cincinnati Revised 5/27/21

  In light of improving circumstances, a reduction in infections, and more people being vaccinated, the Bishops of Ohio have restored the general obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days effective June 5/6, 2021. General Considerations Those who are ill, have significant health risk factors or care for someone who is compromised or ill, are not obligated to attend Mass in-person on Sunday and Holy Days as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety of contracting the coronavirus in a large group of people. These should observe the Lord's Day and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday, meditating on the Lord's passion, death and resurrection. An appropriate way to do this is through viewing a broadcast of Sunday Mass.

NOTE: Mass that is broadcast through various media, including livestream, is not intended as an alternative nor does it fulfill the obligation for persons who are able to gather for a Sunday celebration and other Holy Days. They are intended for the sick, homebound, imprisoned etc. who are unable to attend Mass in person.

Specific Guidelines to be Observed (Effective June 2, 2021): • Discreet use of hand sanitizer by ministers of Holy Communion should continue and hand sanitizer should be available at the doors of church if possible. • No Holy Communion from the chalice by the faithful; concelebrating priests should Communicate by intinction. • It is recommended that at least one section of seating for at least one Sunday Mass continue to be reserved for social distancing; please adjust week to week based on the preference of the faithful and pastoral judgment.

With questions or concerns, please contact the Office for Divine Worship & Sacraments, worship@catholicaoc.org, 513.263.6609

WHAT IS

BEACONS OF LIGHT

Beacons of Light is a multiyear process of pastoral planning for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Rooted in prayer, groupings of parishes will come together as one faith community. These new “Families of Parishes” will be stronger together, focused more on mission than on maintenance. In the Families of Parishes, we will grow closer to God, follow Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit and radiate Christ in our lives.

1. Eucharist: The Mass is the source and summit of the whole Christian life. Accordingly, the Eucharist is the essential moment for building up and strengthening the parish community, along with the sacraments and other celebrations of the paschal mystery — the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2.  Church: Each of us is called to actively participate as a member of a parish, the Universal Church and our local Church, led by our archbishop. Parishes continually deepen the bonds of communion with other parishes.

3.  Leadership: Pastors, in collaboration with parochial vicars, deacons and lay ministers, according to their proper roles and charisms, share responsibility for pastoral leadership. The spiritual, physical and mental health and ongoing support of ordained and lay leaders is vital for Families of Parishes.

4.  Stewardship: Families of Parishes are communities of grateful disciples. Recognizing God’s gifts, they use their talents, skills and resources to build up the Church and live as Christ’s body in the world.

5.  Evangelization: As centers of missionary outreach, Families of Parishes find new ways to foster discipleship among all the baptized. Schools, religious education, faith formation and indeed the domestic Church itself are centers of this essential work.

6.  Love in Action: Families of Parishes will be communities of charity and justice, serving those most in need and working to change systems that oppress and marginalize. www.catholicaoc.org/beacons