BY PENNY WIEGERT Editor
DIOCESE-Bishop David Mal- loy announced in a letter to all priests Oct. 8 a list of changes to the Back in His Presence guidelines issued in June of this year. The guidelines are part of the ongoing efforts to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus among the faithful as they live out their Catho- lic faith. Bishop Malloy said in his letter that modifications to the original protocols are being made periodically based in the experience that we gain as we live through this pandemic. After consultations with the deans and with the Presbyteral Council, the following modifications have been made to Back in His Presence. These changes were made effective for Masses beginning Oct. 10-11.
Use of the mask by lectors at the ambo
At the discretion of the pastor or pa- rochial administrator, lectors and other ministers at the ambo are permitted to remove their face mask for reading proclamation purposes. The deacon and priest may also do so at the ambo for the Gospel and hom- ily. Masks shall continue to be worn by priests at all times when at the altar and while at the presider chair.
Reception of holy Communion on the tongue
Reception of the Eucharist on the tongue is now permitted under specific protocols at Mass and at Communion services at all parishes. While the faithful are strongly en- couraged to receive holy Communion in the hand during this coronavirus outbreak, pastors and parochial admin- istrators may make arrangements for re- ception of the Sacrament on the tongue using one of the following options: 1) A separate line must be provided for those faithful who wish to receive holy Communion on the tongue; or 2) Those faithful who wish to receive holy Communion on the tongue do so after all other faithful have received in the hand; or 3) The faithful who wish to receive holy Communion on the tongue do so at the end of Mass. Whichever option is chosen by the pastor or parochial administrator, there should be separate reception of holy Communion for those receiving in the hand and for those receiving on the tongue. When reception on the tongue is done, because of the proximity of the minis- ter's hand to the mouth of the communi- cant, the minister must sanitize his hand between each communicant's reception. Whether a pastor or parochial admin- istrator allows this form of receiving Communion shall be a decision within his discretion. If a pastor/parochial administrator be- cause of the pandemic or his own per- sonal health does not feel comfortable implementing this form of receiving holy Communion, he has the authority to decline to implement it in his parish. Similarly, a parochial vicar should not be required to administer holy Commu- nion on the tongue if he feels uncom- fortable or has personal health concerns. All other protocols regarding masks, social distancing, tric flow regula- tions, recording of attendance, capac- ity requirements and sanitation are still in force as outlined in the Back in His Presence documents.
Extraordinary ministers
At the discretion of the pastor or pa- rochial administrator, Extraordinary Ministers of holy Communion are per- mitted if necessary. Extraordinary ministers must follow all liturgical and safety protocols and be strictly trained to wear a mask and to sanitize appropriately. At this time, Extraordinary ministers are limited to Mass only.
Moving beyond essential and sacramental meetings and gatherings
Until now, parishes, schools and di- ocesan entities have been permitted to hold only sacramental and essential gatherings and meetings on the prem- ises. At this time, effective today, all other meetings and gatherings typical of the normal operations of a parish, school or diocesan facility are permitted to be held in person on the premises, provided the Back in His Presence directives as well as rules of the Illinois Governor and local and state public health depart- ments are followed. Funeral visitations may return to be- ing held at the church, following the protocols. Hence, at this time, and in light of the governor's mitigation effective Oct. 3,
Continued on page 4
(Observer photo/Amanda Hudson)
Bishop David Malloy lowers his face mask as he delivers his homily Oct. 4 at the 50th anniversary Mass for Blessed Sacrament in North Aurora. In his newly updated "Back in His Presence" guidelines, a mask is not required for during homilies and readings.
Diocesan COVID Guidelines Updated
Volume 85 No. 43 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY OCTOBER 16, 2020
Inside
V Encuentro Ready To Move Forward
Nationwide process involving Hispanic Catholics heads back from parish, diocesan and regional meetings to the national level.
page 3
October Filled with Prolife Events
Rallies, Life Chains and a memorial dedication held.
pages 4-5
Ministry Day 2020: A Day Like No Other
page 7
This Issue
Bishop Malloy ....................... 2 Headliners ............................... 3 Diocesan .............................. 4-7 Colleges and Vocations .8-10 Young Observer ................. 11 Our Catholic View ....... 12-13 For the Record .................... 14 Around the Diocese .......... 15 Media/Arts ............................ 15 Nation/World ...................... 16
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