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

BEACONS of LIGHT

 REVIEW AND COMMENT ON DRAFT “FAMILIES OF PARISHES”

 Make sure your voice is heard! Beacons of Light, the archdiocese-wide pastoral planning process currently underway, will result in all parishes being grouped into “Families” under the leadership of one pastor. A draft of this plan, as well as the Family groupings, are available for public comment October 1-20 at www.BeaconsAOC.org. Do not miss this opportunity to provide your input to this important initiative which will shape the future of our Archdiocese. The current draft has Nativity in a Family with: Holy Trinity-Norwood; St. John the Evangelist-Deer Park; St. Saviour-Blue Ash/Deer Park; Our Lady of the Valley-Reading.

WHAT IS A FAMILY OF PARISHES

 A Family of Parishes is a grouping of parishes led by a common pastor and characterized by collaboration and shared resources. A parochial vicar (or multiple parochial vicars) or retired priest may also serve a Family of Parishes. ► Proposed initial priest staffing for our Family: 3 (subject to change). Please consider:

⦁ No parishes or schools are being closed at this time.

 ⦁ Families of Parishes will be implemented July 1, 2022. HOW WAS THE DRAFT OF THE FAMILIES OF PARISHES CREATED The draft was created based on a comprehensive analysis of data and review by teams comprised of priests, Pastoral Center and Catholic Schools Office staff, and Archbishop Schnurr. Data was collected from the parishes and schools of the archdiocese, spanning the past 5 to 10 years on average but excluding the COVID-19 year of 2020. This data was augmented with demographic data provided by a consulting firm hired to assist with this initiative, and balanced against the pastoral considerations that affect life in our various communities. The data set includes:

⦁ Number of weekend Masses, including non-English Masses

⦁ Church seating capacity and Mass attendance records

 ⦁ Parish sacramental, faith formation and funeral records

 ⦁ Catholic households, both registered and unregistered

 ⦁ Catholic school enrollment, student counts by grade and demographics

 ⦁ Parish and school finances

 ⦁ Projected number of priests available for assignment over the next 10 years

 ⦁ Chaplaincies such as hospital, prison, etc.

 ⦁ U.S. Census data and demographic trends including percent Catholic, age and ethnicity

 Additional information can be found at the above website: www.BeaconsAOC.org.