Guidelines for Mass ~ August 2021
In Florida and around the country, we are seeing an increase in the spread of the delta variant of COVID 19, we urge you to follow these guidelines.
- Please remain at home if you are feeling sick or if you are at an increased risk of illness. The Dispensation issued by Bishop Parkes remains in place for those who are unable to or believe they should not attend Sunday Mass.
- If you are NOT fully vaccinated against COVID, please wear a mask to Mass. Please put on your mask as soon as you exit your vehicle. Please maintain 3-feet of social distancing.
- Even if you are FULLY vaccinated against COVID, it is recommended that you wear a mask in the Cathedral.
- Offertory Collection baskets will remain on the ramp-rails at the front of the church. We are encouraging as many as possible to sign up for online giving. Please call the office at 727-347-9702 if you need assistance in setting up online giving.
- During Communion, there will be distribution of the Consecrated Host only. In Christian charity, we strongly urge you to receive the Body of Christ in the hand.
- Please maintain 3-feet of social distancing while in the Communion line.
- Please keep your mask on until you have received Communion in the hand. Then, step to the side, lower your mask, receive the Body of Christ, replace your mask, and return to your pew.
For more information from the Diocese and to find helpful links to government links, please click here.
If you have any questions regarding the return to Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude, please call the Cathedral office at 727- 347-9702.
USCCB STATEMENT ON THE COVID-19 VACCINE
Recently the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released a statement addressing any moral concerns regarding the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. The entire statement can be found on the USCCB website. Considering the questions raised, the bishops affirm that any potential moral concerns with the development of the vaccines are both remote and outweighed by “the gravity of the current pandemic and the lack of available alternative vaccines…” .
Furthermore, the bishops insist that being vaccinated against COVID-19 should be viewed as “an act of love of our neighbor and a part of our moral responsibility for the common good…” .