Important Changes to Mass Protocols
Effective April 6, 2021
In response to the end of the Mask Mandate in Indiana as announced by Gov. Holcomb, the following are changes regarding masking at St. Gabriel and St. Bridget parishes:
- Weekday Mass Mask Policy:
- There are two daily Masses when masks are mandatory:
- Wednesday Masses at St. Gabriel (6:00 PM) – Masks required
- Friday Masses at St. Bridget (8:00 AM) – Masks required
- All other weekday Masses – Masks recommended, but not required.
- There are two daily Masses when masks are mandatory:
This particular policy will remain in effect until the Sunday/Holy Day Mass obligation is reinstated by the Archbishop. At that point, this policy will be reexamined.
- Weekend Mass Mask Policy
- Gabriel: Masks are required to be worn by anyone sitting in either of the two transepts. Please reserve transept pews only for those parishioners who are not comfortable with sitting in an area of the church where masks are optional. Ropes will also remain up in the transepts, and first 2 rows in the center section of the nave of the church, so as to enable six feet of social distance. Masks are still recommended to be worn, but not required, in all other areas of the church, namely, in the nave of the church.
- Bridget: Masks are required to be worn by anyone sitting in one of the first four rows. Please reserve these pews only for those parishioners who are not comfortable with sitting in an area of the church where masks are optional. Ropes will also remain up in these front rows so as to enable six feet of social distance. Masks are still recommended to be worn, but not required, in all other areas of the church.
As ever, all policies concerning COVID protocols are subject to change based on updates set forth by state and local officials, the Archbishop, and/or the Pastor. All other policies pertaining to Masses remain unchanged.
The reasoning behind this mask policy is to maintain consistency with authorities and yet offer deferential compromise. First, our parishes have been following all policies set forth by state and local health departments, as well as those issued by the Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Office of Worship. This mask policy simply reflects consistency with latest updates. However, this mask policy is written with a compromise in recognizing that some parishioners are not comfortable with loosening protocols and many in this group who have returned to Masses would likely cease coming altogether if there were not some areas in our respective churches where, or entire Masses when, masks are required to be worn. On the other hand, it is also recognized that some parishioners have not yet returned to Mass because masks have been required up to this point, and our parishes now have the opportunity to accommodate this group, as well. This mask policy provides parishioners of both mindsets an opportunity to attend Masses each weekend and/or multiple times during the week.
Be on the lookout for any updates communicated via email, announcements from Fr. Dustin before Masses, or the MyParishApp.