Immaculate Conception Parish and St. Jude Mission Church

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Updated Guidelines for Immaculate Conception/St. Jude:

January 11, 2022

We are glad to continue welcoming all to Mass.

The following guidelines have been updated and will be observed in our parish:

In response to the rising numbers of positive COVID-19 cases, particularly the Omicron variant, the Diocese of Wilmington is issuing new COVID-19 protocols for all parishes effective January 6, 2022. As we go into February, we anticipate this policy will undergo periodic evaluation by the Diocese as they receive updates and information from the appropriate public health authorities.  These protocols are as follows:

• Clergy and Liturgical ministers such as Proclaimers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Cantors, and Altar Servers are encouraged to wear masks, except when speaking publicly.
• Clergy and volunteers are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to obtain COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.
• Clergy and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion must carefully adhere to proper hand sanitization following the distribution of communion on the tongue.
• Clergy should be mindful about social distancing and hand shaking when greeting parishioners before and after Mass.
• Mass attendees over the age 5 who are not vaccinated for COVID-19 are encouraged to wear a mask for their own good and that of others.
• Before and During Mass:
  • Please continue to arrive before the start of Mass with your entire family.
  • Due to an increased understanding of the virus: please sanitize your hands as you enter and depart the church.
  • A 3-foot social distancing requirement is still in effect.
  • For now, we will still refrain from sharing a kiss of peace.
  • We thank you for continuing to receive Holy Communion by hand for now.
  • There will be Communion Stations at the front main aisle. Use the main center aisle to approach the altar, then return down the sides of the church.
  • After Mass:
  • As you leave, please wear your mask until you are outside, and then socialize outdoors with friends and neighbors.

Ministries and non-liturgical parish activities should be carefully evaluated and, if possible, held virtually or with limited contact.

• This effort includes third-party use of facilities, such as Scouts, community groups, etc.
• Parishes should consider rescheduling in-person social gatherings scheduled for January or February to later in the year.
• Outside community groups are welcome to use our facilities but must be masked.