Minnesota Bishops Issue Guidelines For Public Masses

TWIN CITIES, MN — As Minnesota's Stay Home order continues, the suspension of public Mass will remain in place for Catholic churches. However, Catholic bishops in the state have released guidelines for the time when public Mass can be held again.

"We recognize that when we return to public Masses, we will have to do so with carefully defined protocols in order to keep people safe and to prevent the spread of the virus," Bernard Hebda, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, wrote in a letter to Twin Cities Catholics.

"We need to begin now to work with our priests and parish leaders so that we could be ready to begin some limited public Masses on May 18."

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There is no plan to reinstate the obligation to attend Sunday Mass anytime soon, even when public Mass is able to resume. Hebda says at Catholics will be encouraged to attend Mass during the week to spread out the number of people.

Guidelines for future Masses are as follows:

"Those over age 65 will be strongly encouraged not to attend, and anyone showing any symptoms of sickness, or anyone who has a household member who is sick or showing symptoms of sickness should not come to church."

"The church space will be thoroughly sanitized before and after each service, including all entryways and doors. Holy water fonts will be empty and hymnals removed."

"Signs will be posted concerning social distancing and sanitation requirements and reminders to follow these requirements will be offered."

"Hand sanitizers will be available at all entryways."

"All local safety orders specifically relating to proper face coverings will be followed."

"People will be instructed not engage in any physical touch, such as by greeting each other."

"Signs and other instructions will encourage normal safe practices necessary to avoid the spread (e.g. cough or sneeze into a shirtsleeve, handkerchief, or tissue; avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth)."

"Ventilation will be increased as much as possible by opening windows and doors, as weather permits."