St. Jerome Catholic Church and School in Phoenix shared a note from the pastor in the church's Sept. 13 bulletin about the appropriate protocol when returning to Mass during COVID-19.

The Rev. Gary Regula explained that there are a number of clarifications needed as individuals return to Mass. 

“It is correct that each parish is doing something a little different," Regula said. "Bishop Olmsted has stated that each pastor with the guidance of staff and council members would know what would work for each community.” As such, it is important to follow the protocols outlined by the individual parish and submit to their guidelines. 

Additionally, it is being requested that individuals arrive early for Mass. This is to help the staff facilitate a thorough inspection for symptoms, to take temperatures and arrange where people will be sitting in the sanctuary. 

“When people show up just before we close the doors the people who are volunteering will then be at their seats after the Mass has already begun and are unable to calm their hearts and prepare for the Mass,” Regula said. 

Masks are also being required at this time, because not wearing a mask is a direct risk to others nearby. 

“Our call as Christians is to take care of our sisters and brothers; thus, we know some people who attend either take care or visit vulnerable individuals and we want to do everything possible to keep them and their loved ones under their care safe," Regula said. "People can choose not to wear a mask (whether it is a right or not can be debated), but following the guidance of science, the guidelines of Bishop Olmsted and our desire to care for our sisters and brothers here at St. Jerome it is a requirement at this time.”

Finally, the church staff will be directing individuals and families to where they may sit. This will help the staff properly sanitize the seating following the service as well as distance parties apart sufficiently. 

“At a time like this we then need to turn to God, for God will fill all our needs even though our wants may go unmet," Fr. Regula said. "We need to come together and not see these protocols as inconveniences, but as ways to serve one another in an uncertain time that has affected not some but everyone. Let us work together to walk through this time of uncertainty into the light of Christ."