Our St. Matthew COVID-19 Plan

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and desire to receive You into my Soul.  Since I cannot receive You at Communion, come spiritually into my heart.  I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You.  Never permit me to be separated from You.  AMEN

LINK: Explanation of Spiritual Communion 

UPDATED FOR SEPTEMBER 2020

St. Matthew Family,

In this ever-changing COVID-19 world, we are doing our best to have you safely return.  We began public Masses in June at 5 PM on Saturday evenings and 11 AM Sunday mornings.  Bishop Zarama allows Mass indoors at 50% capacity (half our pews are taped off), including face masks and social distancing. For those at risk who wish to stay home, we live stream the 11am Sunday Mass on Facebook and YouTube 

Here are the criteria for attending indoor Masses:

• The Church Restrooms are now open, only 1 person inside at a time, wash hands before exiting. The family room and library remain closed until further notice
• Parishioners are asked to arrive 10 minutes before Mass so social distancing seating can be managed by the ushers. 
• Please use the Hand Sanitizer, available in the Commons on entry.  Every other pew has been taped off for your safety. 
• Everyone, including school-age children, are required to wear face masks at all time while on campus, covering both mouth and nose.
• Hymnals are NOT being used, so please print and bring a copy of the Worship Aid.  Limited printed copies are available in the Commons.
• The Parish Playground is now open again, only 1 family at a time please.

WEEKDAY MASSES have resumed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Noon.  Face masks and 6 feet of social distancing are required.  These masses are also livestreamed on Facebook.

RECONCILIATION has resumed by appointment only.  The required face masks and social distancing will be observed.  Email or call Father Robby to make an appointment.

General Guidelines:

1. If you're in a vulnerable category as detailed above, please remain at home and take advantage of the livestreamed Masses.
2. Once 50% capacity of the church is reached, entry is stopped. Seating will be assigned by ushers to comply with social distancing requirements.
3. At all times, you need to wear a face mask covering both mouth and nose, per the CDC. 
4. On entry, please use the Hand Sanitizer available in the Commons. 
5. Liturgical changes remain in effect, e.g., distribution of Holy Communion at the end of Mass, no sign of peace hand shakes, passing of collection baskets, or singing.
6. Father and Deacon use face masks and hand santitizer for the distribution of Communion.
7. We livestream Sunday Masses at 11am on our Facebook page, posted later to our YouTube channel.  Weekly Worship Aids are provided. 
8. Our Ministries and Committees may resume meetings in the Social Hall only - social distancing, face masks, and meeting room disinfection protocol afterwards.

Phase 3?

• At a date to be determined by Governor Cooper, the mayor of Durham, and Bishop Zarama, we return to three weekend Masses, in the church, without gathering-size restrictions or face mask requirements. 
• Ministries, Committees, and Scouts may resume face to face meetings, events and activities as usual on campus.  

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Throughout this pandemic, St. Matthew parishioners have generously given to the weekly offertory through online giving and weekly envelopes.  This has enabled us to cover monthly operating expenses including paying staff.  Thank you for your continued support!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK, THOSE AT RISK,
AND OUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS