CURRENT CONDITION: Public Masses Will Be Held This Week St. Andrew’s
We are currently able to safely accommodate a maximum of 180 people inside the church. Signups are no longer required. Restrooms will be available.
Because Missals have been removed from the church, you are invited to use the electronic Worship Aid available <HERE>.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to Mass to accommodate seating.
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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 his Liturgy Committee 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>. At Saint Andrew’s our current maximum capacity in the church has been set at 180 people which is within current local restrictions. 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
On September 1, Governor Hogan announced that Maryland would begin Stage Three of reopening (Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery) on Friday, September 4. Under these guidelines, capacity for religious facilities may increase from 50 to 75%, subject to local orders. The Executive Order is <HERE>.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed an Executive Order that allowed Montgomery County to move to Phase 2 effective June 19, 2020. A Montgomery County Council Resolution adopted on March 12, 2021 has indicated a maximum capacity of 50% for religious facilities. The current restrictions on religious facilities are described <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.