COVID-19 Protocol and Precautions Updates

As posted in all parish churches and buildings on April 4, 2021, Indiana’s mask mandate expires on April 6; however, churches and buildings located at St. Boniface Parish and St. Meinrad Parish in Spencer County will continue to follow the norms and practices (including wearing masks indoors) of the North Spencer County School Corporation and the Indiana Department of Education.

We also will continue to distribute the Holy Eucharist at pews during the Communion Rite and the first and last pews on both sides remain unavailable for unforeseen parishioner and guest care and for emergency use. The pews marked reserved in the front rows are for handicap accessibility or special assistance.

Please be mindful that as people continue to be vaccinated, there are vulnerable persons in our community whom we protect by wearing masks, remaining six feet apart, and practicing good hygiene such as handwashing. I have noticed occupants in the section of pews near the main entrance – last few identified rows for seating – individuals are not social distancing. Please remain six feet apart within your row when outside of your living or social hubs. Pews available for seating are clearly identified with missalettes and the weekend bulletin. St. Meinrad Parish can easily handle groups of two or three in each section of the pew. There should not be five individuals, couples or small families bunches together in a row. This concerns me. There is ample seating throughout the church, with some creativity. Possibly by entering through the side doors and making your way toward the back of the church, this concern will be resolved. I feel our community continues to do well and many of the required protocols by the archdiocese and our local health officials have been streamlined so that we can focus on gathering safely and praying together well. Many churches in our local area still have all parishioners and guests sign in, some requiring reservations, taking temperatures, completing daily health status surveys, using one entrance and one exit and filling pew by row and dismissing by rows. Please do your part and let us move forward, not backward.

As ministries, programs and activities start up again, please visit www.sbcatholic.church/info or www.smcatholic.church/info to submit your events for listing, reserve space and to confirm key contact information while providing adequate time for prayer, preparation and paperwork needed to support your efforts.

Make it a great week and it is great to see you in circulation whether at the parish or throughout the community. Thank you for your generosity, prayerful presence and the sacrifices you continue to make as we together recalibrate.

Father Anthony Vinson, OSB
Pastor