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.
Because Missals have been removed from the church, you are invited to use the electronic Worship Aid available <HERE>.
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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 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,
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.
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) have jointly announced that the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation will be lifted 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 May 28, 2021 at 6:00AM, Montgomery County restrictions on capacity and face coverings will expire with complete reopening. Although there will no longer be capacity restrictions in place, all activities and businesses must follow Maryland guidelines in place at that time.
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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.