Some FAQs on Mass re-opening
Here are some FAQs (frequently asked questions) about the resuming of public Masses which starts tomorrow. I'm anticipating questions here, based on some preliminary feedback I've received, but will try to update this post after the Masses start when I find out what other questions people are actually asking.
- Do I have to wear a mask?
Adults will be asked to wear a mask as they enter if not already wearing one. An usher will provide either disposable use ones or a cloth one made by parish volunteers which you can take home, wash and reuse. This is in accord with most research that shows that it will help prevent you from spreading Covid-19 to others at Mass if you have it but are not aware of it because you have no symptoms. Even if you are not concerned about risk, we ask you to be considerate of other Massgoers who may gain peace of mind if they see others wearing masks. We are asking people to keep the mask on except for the immediate reception of Communion. - Should children wear a mask?
We ask parents to use your judgment about whether your children should do so. - How come the priests doesn't always wear a mask if the people do?
This is in accord with the recommendation of a panel of doctors and liturgical scholars from the Dominican priests' Thomistic Institute. Unlike for the faithful, there are many regulations on the way the priest vests (dresses) for the celebration of the Mass. Catholics believe that the priest is not just a minister, but stands in the person of Christ Himself while he celebrates Mass. The visual symbol of Christ the Priest masking Himself off from the people is generally to be avoided. - Do I have to receive Communion at Mass?
No. A Massgoer is never obliged to receive Communion at Mass. The Sunday obligation (which has been waived indefinitely by our Archbishop for the faithful in Cincinnati) requires people to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days, but not to receive Communion. Under ordinary circumstances, a Catholic is only obliged to receive Communion once a year, during the Easter season. That does not apply this year in our diocese, because the Mass obligation has been waived for the whole Easter season.
The Church also teaches that the faithful should not receive Communion (even if going to Mass) if they are aware of any serious sin that has not been confessed (examples: deliberately missing Sunday or holy day Mass without a good reason in ordinary times, when Mass is required [does not apply to current times when obligation is suspended]; living in an irregular marriage or cohabiting before marriage or using contraception within marriage; engaging in abusive behavior; and so on.
Bottom line: if you want to go to Mass but are nervous about receiving Communion during Covid crisis, you are not obligated to do so. - Can I receive Communion on the tongue at Mass?
Yes. Temporarily, during the pandemic times only, the Archbishop is discouraging the faithful from receiving Communion on the tongue (which is the universal norm for Communion, with an option to receive on the hand in the U.S. and some other countries). According to medical experts, there is currently no consensus about whether there is elevated risk of contagion of coronavirus by receiving on the tongue. However, if the faithful wish to receive on the tongue they have the right to do so. At our parishes, I will set up a kneeler in the center for those who wish to receive on the tongue. This further reduces the risk of contagion. - Are there other things I should know about receiving Communion?
Yes. Several things. We will give some instructions during Mass.
Please do not wear gloves to receive Communion. Small particles of the Blessed Sacrament, in which Our Lord is truly present, may cling to these gloves which would then be discarded or thrown in a washing machine. That is not in accord with the reverence we show the Blessed Sacrament.
You should of course wash your hands thoroughly immediately before attending Mass.
Please remove your mask just before receiving Communion (approaching the priest) and place it back on shortly after receiving Communion.
To reduce the risk of contagion, you should make sure to receive properly. If receiving Communion in the hand, please make sure to keep your hands completely flat, with one hand placed beneath the other, and both parallel to the floor, with your writing hand securely underneath the other hand. You should not cup your hands or place them side by side. Also, importantly, do not move your hands until the priest has completely withdrawn his hand. All this will help reduce the chance of the priest touching your hand, which can be a method of spreading contagion. If you say "Amen" (not necessary here), please do so quietly and not directed directly at the priest. You may even step a little to the side before receiving Communion.
If you receive on the tongue, please kneel on the kneeler, tilt your head back just a little, open your mouth just a little, and extend your tongue just a little. If you sav, "Amen" (not necessary here), please do so quietly. Please do not move at all (not closing your mouth or withdrawing your tongue) until the priest has completely withdrawn his hand.
As always, if you have more questions, you can always contact Father at the parish office.
