The new Parish Engagement in a COVID World website is intended to be an inspiration to those who desire more from parish life during a pandemic, while still following state and county guidelines. In recognizing that not one size fits all in parish engagement, the webpage serves as a catalyst for sharing ideas that can be adapted to fit your parish. Above all, we hope that this website brings you the hope of Jesus, who is always making a way when there seems to be no way, who brings healing to those who are hurting, and who brings victory over death.
As we prepare to reopen churches for the Celebration of Public Masses here at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, please be aware of the following:
Be prepared for an “unusual way of celebrating Mass" [beginning May 20, 2020]. We are not back to “normal church.” There may be strange protocols that you are not used to, but they are there for your safety. It will be a time of patient learning with trial and error. Be prepared for reading signs everywhere for safety measures – they are posted for you to see.
No Catholic in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is required to come to Mass at all during this time. The Sunday obligation remains lifted until further notice.
Everyone should recognize that there is an inherent risk in coming to church. As such, those who are 65 and over, and those with high-risk health conditions should remain at home. This is the population that is most vulnerable to the coronavirus. Of course, those who are symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19 must not enter a church until released to do so by their health care professional.
The point is, do not feel guilty if you choose to not attend Mass. If you are sick, do NOT come to church. Otherwise, the decision is yours to make.
Please know we are still fighting the same COVID-19 virus, and it still poses threats to many people in a larger gathering like our church congregation. As responsible citizens with Christian charity, we will follow national guidelines, Gov. Holcomb’s plan, and the protocols set forth by Archbishop Thompson to minimize all risks as much as possible – minimize – not eradicate!!
Pews are marked for seating; all movements inside the church are guided by markers. Follow directions offered by volunteers as well.
Masks are very strongly encouraged, and if you do not have one, please ask the volunteers.
Hand-holding, Sign of Peace, distribution of the Precious Blood, and Holy Water font, loud speaking, singing, and loud reciting are to be avoided.
Communion will take place at the normal time during Mass. At each Mass, one side will go first and then the second maintaing social distancing. No movements are permitted within the church. No gatherings at the end of Mass
Most important: There are people committed to cleaning and disinfecting the church. Please help them by following all safety guidelines.
If you attend the weekend Mass – don’t worry about attending weekday Mass, because the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains lifted until further notice, in the Archdiocese.
Do not go to another parish for Mass. Archbishop Thompson has asked all parishioners to attend their own parish for the sake of registration and safety. Again, we are not back to “normal church.” Please do not socialize!
You have registered for Mass on Google Forms.
You are aware that 65 and older are “not excluded” but are asked to remain home for reasons of vulnerability.
You will be wearing masks and follow directions offered by our special team.
You will not congregate before, after, and during Mass.
You are aware that the distribution of communion outside Mass is suspended and that You will receive communion in your hands at Mass as you leave the church.
All liturgical ministries such as Lector, ministers of holy communion, altar servers, and homebound communion are suspended. For the next couple of weeks, we will be using a special schedule of ministers.
The procession, recession, distribution of communion at the regular time, exchange of peace are suspended. Singing and reciting is to be done in a low tone.
Collection baskets are kept at the front pews in each campus – please use them for your contribution.
The 8:15AM Mass Tuesday through Thursday along with the 10 am Sunday Mass will be live streamed on the parish Facebook site. Sunday 10AM Mass can also be found on the parish website.
Funeral Masses will resume with only close family members not exceeding 50 people. The Funeral meal ministry is suspended.
Wedding Masses will resume, again with only close family members not exceeding 60 people, including musicians and photographers.
Although we have opened Holy Family for an hour of adoration between 6-7 pm – do not feel compelled to spend one full hour. Please consider spending a shorter time in order to allow more people to join. It is your responsibility to disinfect the place you occupy for the safety of those parishioners entering the church after you.
As you stand to wait for confessions, do not stand close to each other. Those waiting in line should be no more than three. Be prepared for a 6 feet distance from Fr. Sengole. Use a face mask. Use disinfectant sprays to clean your chair/kneeler as you leave after confession.
Frequently Asked Questions During church reopening at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish