Our St. Matthew Plan for ReOpening Masses

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

An Explanation of Spiritual Communion 

UPDATED FOR JUNE 2020

St. Matthew Family,

In this ever-changing COVID-19 world, we are doing our best to have you safely return.  We began indoor Masses in June at 5 PM on Saturday evenings and 10 AM Sunday mornings.  Bishop Zarama is allowing Mass indoors at 50% capacity, to also include face masks and  social distancing. The church is professionally santized Saturday evenings between the 5pm and Sunday 11am Masses.  For those at risk who wish to stay home, we continue to live stream the 10am Mass as well. 

Here are the criteria for attending indoor Masses:

• Parishioners are asked to arrive 10 minutes before mass so social distancing seating can be managed by the ushers. 
• Every other pew has been tapped off for your safety.  Please use the Hand Sanitizer, available in the Commons.
• Everyone, including children, are required to wear face masks at all time while on campus, coverng 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.
• PLEASE NOTE: The restrooms, family room, library and playground remain closed until further notice.
• Communion is distributed at the end of Mass so that Father and Deacon can wear masks for distribution.

As we move into this next phase, we need for volunteers to help with ushering.  We ask those under the age of 60, with no risk factors, to please volunteer.  Contact the office with your availability and mass preference.  YOU ARE NEEDED.  High school youth are encouraged to volunteer.  Volunteers will be trained.
 
Volunteer Ushers are asked to contact the office ASAP so that training can be provided.  Please email Tina Lilley at tlilley@stmatthewcc.org or call 919-479-1001.

WEEKDAY MASSES resume on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Noon.  Face masks and 6 feet of social distancing are required.

RECONCILIATION on Saturday afternoons from 4:00pm – 4:45pm and by appointment has resumed.  The required face masks and social distancing will be observed.

General Guidelines:

1. If you're in a vulnerable category as detailed above, you should remain at home and take advantage of the livestreamed Masses.
2. Dispensation from the Sunday Mass and holy day obligation will remain in effect per Bishop Zarama.
3. Once 50% capacity of the church is reached, entry will be stropped. Seating will be assigned by ushers to comply with social distancing requirements.
4. Social distancing with six feet of separation will likely be with us for a while. You also need to wear a face mask covering both mouth and nose, as recommended by the CDC. 
5. Understand that convenient and available space to participate in Masses may be limited.  Hand sanitizers will be available. 
6. Liturgical changes remain in effect, e.g., distribution of Holy Communion at the end of Mass , no sign of peace hand shakes, no passing of collection baskets, and limited singing.
7. Church and Hall Restrooms will NOT be available for public use during Masses, until such time when those spaces can be effectively sanitized with an appropriate frequency. 
8. We livestream Sunday Masses at 10am on our Facebook page, posted later to our YouTube channel.  Weekly Worship Aids are provided. 
9. Parish volunteers are available to shop for our homebound seniors. Contact Erma Kuboushek at 919-477-6432 or 919-451-7737 if you need help.
10. Our Ministries and Committees may resume face-to-face meetings in the Hall - while observing proper social distancing, gathering size restrictions, and meeting room disinfection protocol.

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. 
• All Faith Formation activities will resume face-to face on St. Matthew's campus, likely on alternating days to start. 
• Ministries, Committees, and Scouts may resume face to face meetings, events and activities as usual.  

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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