On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control stated, “Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws.” Consequently, on May 14, the Governor issued Order 21-23, curtailing the earlier mask mandate; but it did not change social distance guidelines.
Face masks.
Effective immediately at Saint John the Baptist, those fully vaccinated are not at significant risk for contracting or spreading the coronavirus and need no longer wear face masks. Those not vaccinated are safer if they continue to wear face masks, but Governor Walz indicates it would have been untenable to retain the mask mandate for unvaccinated people, which would have created a vaccine passport situation. Even so, individuals who are more comfortable wearing a face mask may continue doing so.
We know the CDC & Governor Walz's decision comes with emotions in our community and so to try and accommodate those who may feel apprehensive about coming back to Mass where people will be unmasked, we will be making the balcony open only to those who would like to sit apart from other who may or may not be wearing a mask in Church. In the coming weeks, as things warm up, we will be able to have the windows open to bring in more fresh air as well, which will help with increased ventilation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original Memo
The following guidelines are taken directly from the Archdiocese memo dated 5/12/2021 to All Parishes on "Updated Liturgical Guidelines in Light of “Safely Sunsetting”
On May 6, 2021, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 21-21, subtitled “Safely Sunsetting COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions.” As the pandemic winds down (hence the subtitle), the State is transitioning to a new normal that begins to approximate life before the pandemic. The Order relaxes social distance restrictions in three phases: before May 28; between May 28 and July 1; and after July 1, 2021.
Obligation to Attend Mass
The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation continues to be suspended. The bishops of Minnesota will in due time reinstate the obligation, and will communicate this to all the faithful. Accommodations for those with fragile health, as well as those caring for them, will also be articulated. The Office of Communications is preparing materials to assist parishes to catechize the faithful on the importance of attending Mass in person and welcoming everyone back to church.
Ongoing General Safety Protocols
If you are sick, stay at home. Please take care of yourself, and do your part to protect others from becoming infected.
Vulnerable persons and those caring for them should stay safe. Attend nonobligatory gatherings only to the extent that you (and those you care for) judge the risk of infection to be low.
Sanitization is effective. Regularly washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer helps avoid both contracting and spreading infection.
Social Distance for Faith Services/Ceremonies, Receptions, or Gatherings
Before May 28: Indoors - Six feet of separation is required between households. Up to 10 persons may be seated at one table/in one pew.
After May 28: Indoors - There is no requirement to keep social distance.
(We will be removing the every-other-pew signs and people will be able to sit where they want)
Size of Gatherings
After May 28: Indoors - No limit.
Wearing Facemasks at Faith Services/Ceremonies and Non-worship Gatherings
Before May 28: Indoors - Required.
Between May 28 – July 1: Indoors - Required
After July 1 (sooner, if 70% of Minnesotans are vaccinated) - No longer required anywhere.
Funeral Visitations and Luncheons, Wedding Receptions, Coffee and Donuts
After May 28, parishes may allow these events without restricting how many, how closely, or how long people interact. Even so, until July 1, facemasks are still required by the Governor’s Order.
