June 15^th is approaching, the day when California aligns its mask guidance with that of CDC’s. The state will remove the capacity limits for all business and masking requirements for those who are fully vaccinated in many settings, but one still has the option to wear a mask if he or she chooses.

While this is a good reason to be excited about, many are still anxious about the uncertainties of what lies ahead. To lessen such anxiety, I can share with you these diocesan directives regarding our worship until safe and realistic normalcy is attained.  The Diocese of San José’s Covid-19 task force has asked the faithful to continue the following safety measures to help protect our children who cannot receive the vaccine, our parishioners who are immunocompromised, and their families:

1. Social distance between household will continue to be observed, but reduced from 6 feet to 3 feet.

2. Masks must be worn by people attending mass in person, both indoor and outdoor.

3. Priests and lectors can remove their mask when preaching and proclaiming God’s word.

4. Singing is permitted both indoors and outdoors with masks on.

5. Parishioners will continue to sign up for mass to assist with contact tracing.

6. Sanitation of hands before mass and before receiving communion will be enforced.

We are currently revising protocols for meetings, events, and receptions at parishes. Guidance for our schools and catechetical and youth programs will be different and is forthcoming this summer. The Diocese will continue to evaluate our protocols during the summer and is hopeful that we will further loosen restrictions in August.

Additionally, like wearing a mask, vaccination is not just an act of self-protection, but it is also an act of charity, and it is a moral imperative! Parish and school staff, liturgical ministers and other volunteers who have not done it yet should seriously consider getting inoculated so that we can safely continue the many ministries of our parish without jeopardizing the health of one another and the people we serve. Please note that proof of vaccination will be not required for attendance at our parish’s liturgies or gatherings.

Fr. Edgar and I continue to keep you in our prayers.  If there is anything we can do for you, feel free to reach out to us and any of the parish staff. The end of this pandemic depends on all of us.