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/documents/2020/9/Bishop%20McGovern%20Message%20to%20Parishioners-1.pdf

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Please sign up in advance for the Mass that you plan to attend.  Social distancing will not be required for parishioners who reside in the same house.  If you have difficulty registering, please call 618-943-5255. Thank you!

• Masks are mandatory at all times, except for Communion
• Ushers will assist with seating and social distancing during Communion
• Once Communion is received, exit the church as directed.  Plan accordingly and gather all personal items proir to leaving the pew.

Please click on the link to sign up for a time slot.This will take you to ‘Sign-Up Genius’. Then scroll down to choose the Mass you wish to attend. Click on a box to “Sign Up” and then scroll all the way down to the bottom of the screen and click on “Submit and Sign Up”. This will take you to another screen where you can enter your name and the number of people coming. Then click on “Sign Up Now”. It is really very simple!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054CAAAE29A3F85-mass1

Communion will be distributed outside for 30 minutes after each scheduled mass at each parish. Drive to the parish parking lot following a scheduled mass and someone will assist you.

All are invited to the Annual Diocesan Spring Blessing of the Farm, which will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. at the Farm of Dale and Kay Haudrich.
  Dale and Kay Haudrich Farm is located at 7903 State Route 156;
Waterloo, Illinois 62298.  You can arrive at their farm by taking IL-Hwy 159 to Hecker, IL. Then travel west onto IL-Hwy 156 out of Hecker ¾ of a mile. It is the first house on your right. “Farm Blessing” signs will also lead you to the farm. Those attending are invited to bring seed and soil in marked containers along with animals and farm machinery to be blessed. Food will also be collected for the needy of the area. 
Pandemic health and safety protocols will be place.  We look forward to having you join us!
 

Saint Vincent de Paul.
Saint Vincent de Paul has reopened, requiring face coverings and social distancing.
They provide utility assistance only (electric, gas, water) and have a small food pantry for any Lawrence County resident in need.  Their hours are from 11AM - 1PM on Wednesday only.
They are located in the basement of the church hall, which is the old Catholic School, located at 11th and Collins St. in Lawrenceville, IL
 

Drive thru to pick up your free breakfast on Mondays from 8am - 10am.  Breakfast includes eggs, sausage, bacon, french toast, pancakes, and a drink. No inside dining. Pick up is in the church parking lot.

Please remember that our parishes depend on your generosity and support.  With the cancellation of masses, our parishes have lost offertory collections that are essential to pay staff and bills for the maintenance of our churches.  When you feel like getting out of the house, just drop your envelope at the parish office. We appreciate your sacrifice. There is a drop box in the door of the rectory at St Lawrence. They may also  be mailed to the rectory at 1006 Collins Ave. Lawrenceville, IL 62439

ONLINE CONTRIBUTIONS:
https://together.igivecatholic.org/info/belleville.

Go to the link and enter your information.  Your entire contribution will go to ST Lawrence Parish.

Restrictions are slowly being lifted by the State of Illinois; however, we are to continue to follow the protocols that have been established by the bishops of our province in collaboration with the state and county health departments. Our local diocesan committee has released revised metrics for the celebration of daily and Sunday Masses, weddings and funerals, and social and professional gatherings. 
The document “Guidance for Parish Celebrations and Social Gatherings” is posted on the diocesan website under “Reopening Resources.”

I have briefly highlighted those sections that are of most concern to us:  

REVISED METRICS FOR:
Daily and Sunday Masses –

• All liturgical celebrations must follow established protocols, e.g., capacity for seating, registrations, masks, social distancing, etc.
• The new metric for the celebration of daily or Sunday Masses will increase to 25% seating capacity with no cap on the number of people that can attend.
• We are currently at 25% seating capacity, though the cap has been eliminated, our churches are not large enough to accommodate additional people.
  • St. Joseph-Olney--80 people in the church, 40 people in the MPR room   
  • Holy Cross-Wendelin—100 people
  • St. Lawrence-Lawrenceville—85 people
  • St. Joseph-Stringtown—45 people

• Musicians must be masked and maintain six feet of physical distance from each other.
• Singers / cantors can be used IF they are able to remain 10- 12 feet apart in all directions.
• No brass or wood wind instruments may be used.

• Weddings and funerals in the context of Mass will also follow the metric of 25% seating capacity with no cap on the number of people that can attend. (see above) Established diocesan COVID-19 safety guidelines must be followed. No one should congregate in the church or gathering space before or after the celebration. No more than 50 people should congregate outdoors before or after the ceremony. Social distancing and the wearing of masks are required even outdoors.
• The number of people who may gather at funeral vigils in church or at funeral homes is now 50 or fewer. Everyone must wear masks and those not living together should maintain social distance.

• The use of our parish halls is limited to parish functions and events, we cannot  accept private events and rentals at this time.
• Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan allows social or professional gatherings of 50% of capacity or 50 people, whichever is less. The limit of 50 guests applies to organizational meetings, receptions, funeral brunches, bingo, dinners, etc.
• If food and beverages are served, do not offer buffet-style or potluck meals or food prepared in the home of others. Please check with the county or state department of public health for food safety certification requirements. Food items should be catered or provided in single-serve or disposable containers. Items should not be left out in the open uncovered with multiple people accessing them such as bowls of snacks, food trays, etc. Those not living together should be seated six feet or more apart. Staff or volunteers serving should wash hands frequently and wear disposable gloves and face coverings.

As the state moves into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, the current COVID-19 safety protocols for churches will remain in effect. No additional negotiations regarding protocols have taken place. The Church is actually ahead of Phase 4 guidelines for groups due to the negotiated agreement allowing a percentage of capacity that exceeds the current norm allowed by the state. The Phase 2 guidelines for daily and weekend Mass and the Sacraments are to be strictly adhered to regarding attendance limits, social distancing, hand sanitizing, disinfecting, reservation systems, wearing masks, etc.
 

On each of the individual parish websites, there is a link to sign up for mass this weekend or next weekday. Mass will be celebrated at:

4:00pm Saturdays at Holy Cross Wendelin 

5:00pm Saturdays at St. Joseph-Olney  

8:00am Sundays at St. Joseph-Olney  

8:00am Sundays at St. Joseph-Stringtown  

10:00am Sundays at Holy Cross-Wendelin  

10:00am Sundays at St. Lawrence-Lawrenceville 

Weekday Evening Masses: 

Monday at 6:30pm at St. Joseph-Stringtown  

Tuesday at 6:30pm at St. Lawrence-Lawrenceville: Mass

Wednesday at 8:00am and 6:30pm at St. Joseph-Olney

Thursday at 6:30pm at Holy Cross-Wendelin  

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available by appointment or at 6:00pm Monday through Thursday at the individual parish that has the scheduled weekday mass at 6:30pm.
Mass will continue to be Live Stream at St. Joseph-Olney at 5:00pm on Saturday,
8:00am on Sunday and at 8:00am and 6:30pm on Wednesday. 

https://www.diobelle.org/faith-formation/child-protection/policy