A Message from Fr. Costa

As we prepare in so many ways for this unique Christmas, I want to update you on our parish's response to COVID and on our continued guidelines and requirements, as you contemplate your Christmas worship.
 
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has established guidelines for liturgical practices during COVID, but also gives pastors wide latitude to establish additional measures that they consider in the best interest of their parish. This pastoral discretion is why you will see differences in current practices from parish to parish. It can certainly be confusing and stressful when you are trying to stay safe, especially if you have been away from church.
 
With the dramatic increases in COVID cases, in order to make sure that Mass is still able to be celebrated publicly and with charity and love for each other, in consultation with our parish staff masks will be required at Saint Agnes moving forward including our lectors, altar servers and Communion ministers. You are required to wear a mask, covering your nose and mouth, prior to entering the church building. Please do not remove your mask until you have exited the church.
 
The precautions for everyone’s safety include:
 
1. Occupation Limitation
The church can have up to 75% capacity, but at this time Saint Agnes remains at about 30% capacity in order to follow social distancing guidelines.
Choirs will not be used.
 
2. Social Distance
Masks are required for the entire duration of Mass. Every other pew is marked off to assist with social distancing measures.
Please maintain 6 feet of distance between members of other households, both while seated and while moving around the church (entering, exiting, and while receiving Holy Communion)
 
3. Sanitation
The church and all parish buildings are sanitized regularly with fast-drying hospital-grade disinfectant.
Hand sanitizer is available at all entrances.
All ministers will sanitize their hands before distributing Holy Communion.
 
If you are concerned about attending Mass, please join us online.

Let us continue to pray for God’s healing and strength and an end to this pandemic.
 
In Christ’s love,
Fr. Costa