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April 22, 2021

LATEST COVID UPDATES FROM THE DIOCESE
(as seen in April 23 Messenger Issue)

With the decrease and continued leveling off of COVID-19 cases in the 14 counties comprising the Diocese of Covington, and with the loosening of protocols by the State of Kentucky, Bishop Roger Foys, in consultation with the diocesan COVID-19 Task Force, has eased restrictions for the celebration of liturgical services and for parish meetings and gatherings.

In an e-mail to pastors, April 14, Bishop Roger Foys announced the changes, which take effect immediately, as well as the two mandatory protocols that have not changed — mask wearing and maintaining six-feet social distancing between family groups and individuals.

“I hope that our new protocols will be helpful in gradually returning to some semblance of pre-COVID-19 life,” said Bishop Foys in the e-mail to priests. Three Mass protocols that have been loosened — which pastors and parishioners have been eager for — are the return of congregational singing, the sign of peace and greeting the pastor after Mass. As these integral parts of the Mass are reintroduced, precautions are in place to ensure safety.

Congregants must wear masks at all times, even while singing. At the pastor’s discretion, the sign of peace may be offered; 6-feet social distancing must be maintained between family groups during the sign of peace and the gesture should be in a contactless form, for example, a simple bow. It is recommended that pastors greet worshipers outside, when possible, as they exit the church.

There is still no congregating before or after Mass. Other protocols that have been lifted are:
— hymnals may be returned to the pews.
— more than one lector may again be utilized.
— up to three servers may be utilized.
— Choirs may gather and sing together as long as six feet of space is maintained between members; choirs with more than four individuals are required to wear masks while singing.
— processions may resume (six feet spacing must be maintained).

Additionally parishes may resume in-person meetings and prayer groups with just three protocols — attendees must wear a face covering, the number of participants is limited by how many people can safely maintain a minimum of six feet distance in the gathering space and no food may be served. Parish leaders are encouraged to sanitize the room after the gathering.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who have been fully vaccinated may resume ministry to homebound parishioners. They must wear a mask while completing their ministry.

Pastors and parishioners have been anxiously awaiting some word on whether or not parish festivals will be allowed this year. Bishop Foys and the diocesan COVID-19 Task Force have flagged that question, “TBD,” subject to guidelines provided by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for gatherings of large groups. Last week, Governor Andy Beshear indicated that once 2.5 million Kentuckians have had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, he’ll lift restrictions on capacity, distance and curfews for several businesses — including festivals. As of Monday, April 19, the Team Kentucky website showed that 1.6 million Kentuckians have been vaccinated.

All other protocols remain in effect. The updated diocesan guidance is available online at www.covdio.org./public-health-concerns.

We will be adding new information as it available regarding ministry updates, useful information etc. Please reference this page often. We will list it by date.

2.21.21