CURRENT CONDITION: Public Masses Will Be Held This Week St. Andrew’s
We are currently able to safely accommodate a maximum of 163 people inside the church. Restrooms will be available. Signups for weekend Masses are required.
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY MASSES
8:30 AM
SATURDAY MORNING MASS
9:00 AM
WEEKEND MASSES: SIGN UP REQUIRED
Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM (Livestreamed <HERE>), 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 5:00 PM.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to Mass to accommodate seating.
Because Missals have been removed from the church, you are invited to use the electronic WORSHIP AID <HERE>.
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In accordance with health and safety guidelines and guidance from the Archdiocese of Washington, you are invited to attend Holy Mass with the following restrictions:
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in effect, and we will continue to offer Masses on the website. Our live streamed 8:30am Mass on Sundays may be viewed <HERE> at that time. If you are unable to view it live, we invite you to view the recorded Mass that will be archived in Parish Chronicle <HERE> once it is complete. We ask for your prayers and patience as we take these next steps in the reopening process.
The Pastor continues to work with the Pastoral Council on the planning and process for Masses as Montgomery County and the State of Maryland continue to reopen, 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 <HERE>. The Archdiocese of Washington, by way of the Moderator of the Curia, shares important daily updates to Pastors regarding COVID-19 procedures. On June 19, the Moderator of the Curia advised Pastors that Montgomery County parishes could resume public Mass at up to 25-30% capacity. Therefore, at Saint Andrew’s our maximum capacity in the church was set at 180 people. This limit was increased to 40% in September although we maintained our capacity at 180. New Montgomery County restrictions effective in November have limited this to 163. As the faithful are able to gather for Mass again, some changes will be essential to ensure the health and safety of those who attend. These include:
Additionally, the Dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, issued on March 12, 2020, is still in effect until further notice for those who choose to remain at home, such as those particularly vulnerable due to age or pre-existing 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
Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland signed a new Executive Order to begin Stage Two effective June 3 of the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery,’ which lifts the order requiring the closure of non-essential businesses. Further information on the announcement of Stage Two is <HERE>.
The Maryland Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives issued specific guidance and best practices for religious services on May 13 <HERE>. Churches and houses of worship may begin to safely hold religious services, at up to 50 percent capacity, with outdoor services strongly encouraged. However, due to the variability in COVID-19 conditions across the state, Stage Two will be implemented with a flexible, community-based approach that empowers individual jurisdictions (such as Montgomery County) to make decisions regarding the timing of reopenings.
On September 1, Governor Hogan announced that Maryland would begin Stage Three of reopening on Friday, September 4. Under these new guidelines, capacity for religious facilities may increase from 50 to 75%, subject to local orders. The new Executive Order is <HERE>.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed a new Executive Order that allowed Montgomery County to move to Phase 2 effective June 19. An amended Executive Order went into effect at 5pm on November 10 limiting total church occupancy to 25%.