Reopening Public Masses at Saint Andrew’s
In accordance with health and safety guidelines and guidance from the Archdiocese of Washington, you are invited to attend Holy Mass.
For those intending to receive Communion on the tongue, please come to the Priest for Communion. The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will only distribute communion in the hand for their safety and that of their families during this holiday time with increased Covid infection.
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We ask for your prayers and patience as we take these next steps in the reopening process.
The Pastor continues to work with his Liturgy Committee on the planning and process for Masses according to the guidelines issued by the Archdiocese of Washington.
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Archdiocese of Washington
An Archdiocesan plan for celebrating public Masses, following updated state and district guidelines, was issued on May 14, 2020 and revised October 15, 2020 <HERE>. Modifications to these guidelines, effective May 28, 2021, are <HERE>.
Churches in the District of Columbia and all five Maryland counties in the Archdiocese of Washington are no longer subject to governmental capacity or social distancing limits given the dramatically decreased level of coronavirus in the community following increasing numbers of vaccinated persons. Consistent with CDC, state, and local guidance, masks are no longer required of any person inside churches or religious facilities with the Archdiocese. Masks are recommended, but not required, for unvaccinated persons when indoors. Individual parishes may choose to keep distancing, masking, or other precautions in place,
Cardinal Gregory and the Bishops of the Province of Baltimore (Archdiocese of Baltimore, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, Catholic Diocese of Richmond and the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston) jointly lifted the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation beginning on Saturday, June 26, 2021 and Sunday, June 27, 2021.
The obligation to attend Mass does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus, another serious or contagious illness; those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions.
More information is available on the Archdiocese of Washington coronavirus webpage <HERE>.
Please continue to monitor the Archdiocese of Washington’s website and state and county websites below for announcements on reopening conditions during this fluid situation. Father Mel Ayala will provide updates on the specific implementation of the plan for reopening for the parish as the situation evolves.
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Maryland
Effective Saturday, May 15, 2021 Governor Hogan announced the end to the statewide mask mandate and lifting of all capacity limits and restrictions in Maryland and aligning with updated CDC guidelines. The Executive Order is <HERE>.
Montgomery County
Effective August 7, 2021, face coverings/masks must be worn by all persons in the County over the age of two years old when indoors at any location accessible to the public. The regulation is <HERE>.
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In Fall 2020, St. Andrew Apostle installed iWave Air Purifier Systems in the Church, Early Learning Center, and the School. All windows need to be kept closed in order for the purifiers to work efficiently. These air cleaners were installed in the ducted air conditioning and heating systems to help control humidity and keep indoor air clean and free from odor, dust, and especially pathogens.