Reopening Info

Please be aware that our seating capacity is at 126 people for each Mass.  We are not using a reservation system, so this is why we encourage you to come 30 minutes early to safely check in and be seated.  The doors are closed five minutes before Mass begins, so if there is still a line outside or we have reached capacity by that time, you will be asked to come back to a different Mass.  These are part of the Diocesan mandates for safely celebrating Mass, so we thank you for your attention to this.

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Again this weekend we will celebrate Mass on Saturday at 5:00pm and Sunday at 8:30am and 11:30am.  We are able to safely accommodate seating of about 130 people at each liturgy.

Our Reopening Plan is working well and there is plenty of clean, social distance space available for you and/or your family to attend Mass.   Please review the following important information about attending Mass.  Your questions or concerns should be addressed to any staff member. 

Fr. John, the staff and ministry volunteers are look forward to welcoming you this weekend !!

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St. Mary’s is Open!

>Mass times are:  Saturday at 5:00pm and Sunday at 8:30am & 11:30am
(Please note the new Sunday morning time)

>Even as we reopen, all those as defined by the Virginia Health Department as more vulnerable, i.e., 65+ years of age, those with compromised immune systems, those with underlying health conditions and
especially those who are ill are strongly encouraged to stay at home.

>Until further notice, Bishop Knestout continues to dispense all of the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days.   Mass will continued to be live-streamed on Sundays at 8:30am via Facebook Live.  
 
>Friday daily Mass at 11:15am is reserved for those in a high risk category.  

>Please arrive 30 minutes ahead of time to allow for screening and seating.

NEW===>>Parishioners will know acknowledge that they can pass the health screening prior to be seated in the Worship Area.  There is new signage that must be read upon entering the church.  Contact information will no longer be collected from those attending Mass.

>Everyone over 10 years old will be required to wear a face covering throughout Mass except for the brief moment when you consume Communion.  You will need to provide your own face covering.  Extra face coverings will not be available at church. 

>Specially trained ushers will seat families, couples or individuals in approved spots.  

>Mass attendance will be limited based on 6 feet of space between families, couples or individuals.  Once 50% of capacity at safe social distancing  has been reached, parishioners will be asked to attend another Mass.
 
Please note the following important guideline:
>The church doors are promptly locked at the start of the liturgy as we can not seat people once Mass has started and you must be present to hear the instructions given at the beginning of Mass.  If this happens to you, please plan to attend at another time.

>There will be no hymnals or worship aids. Parishioners can download the worship aid to a smartphone or tablet and bring it to church.  You are also encouraged to bring your own hand sanitizer. 

>Collection baskets for your weekly offering will be located in the Narthex, please drop your envelopes as you enter or exit the Narthex.

>The church will be thoroughly disinfected according to the CDC and Diocesan requirements prior to each Mass and our approved reopening plan will be strictly followed.

>Changes to Mass will be reviewed, but please refrain from physical contact, such as holding hands during the Our Father and shaking hands during the Sign of Peace.   

>Six feet of social distance should be maintained from others who are not from the same household at all times while in the church or on church grounds.  Families must stay together as a group.

>As we gather once again to worship as faith community, let us be thankful for and respectful of those working to keep us safe.

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Read our official reopening approval letter from the Diocese online here

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Additional Mass Guidelines from the Diocese of Richmond can be found online here