COVID Mitigation Information

CHURCH DIRECTIVES

• Diocese of Eastern PA
  • https://doepa.org/files/Messages/2021/Updated-Guidelines-in-Response-to-CDC-Announcement.pdf

PUBLIC HEALTH & MASKING GUIDANCE

Note: Masks are encouraged, but they are not mandated. There will be both masked and unmasked individuals at worship.

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/guidance.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html

• Commonwealth of PA
  • https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Stop-the-Spread.aspx
  • https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx

ALSO, PLEASE TAKE NOTE:

• There are no occupancy limitations in the church.
• At Holy Communion -
  • Those who wish to receive by having the Eucharist turned in their open mouth may do so.
  • The servers/vestry will not initiate the wiping of people’s mouths. Tissues will continue to be available for those who wish to use them, or you may use the communion cloth to wipe your own mouth.
• The Cross will be offered at the conclusion of the service – the faithful may venerate the Cross or simply bow towards it. The same is true for the holy icons as well as the Chalice at Communion.
• We will continue to live-stream the services.
• If you would like to make individual arrangements to receive the Sacraments from Fr. Stephen, please contact him (link).

FINALLY:

• We recognize that due to their own circumstances, our faithful may choose to avoid public gatherings until the pandemic is under more control. As Christians we are called to be gracious towards one another. It is our hope that the plan outlined above will give our faithful options to participate in the life of our community in a way that makes the most sense for themselves and their families.
• Supporting our Ministry - Many of our faithful are now giving online (link), through the mail, or through a scheduled bank-draft. We will continue to have a tithing basket on the candle desk for those who wish to give via envelope. Thank you for your generosity and sacrificial care for our parish and its ministries.

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God...  Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  -  1 Peter 4:8-10; 12-13