The Diocese of Wilmington has discontinued all previous COVID-19 guidance in DE & Eastern Shore of MD effective 2/15/22 in light of the easing of restrictions in both states with the exception of the following:
Parishes are still encouraged to practice safety measures that include consistent sanitizing of common areas, hand sanitizer available at all entrances and support a welcoming environment for those members of your parishes who wish to wear masks.
All concelebrating priests, as well as deacons assisting at the Mass, may continue to receive Communion at the usual time and in the usual manner. However, each must continue to use a separate chalice from the main celebrant or receive by intinction.
Distribution of the Precious Blood continues to be prohibited.
Parishes should also continue to have sanitization readily available if an individual distributing communion believes they made contact with the person’s mouth or saliva.
While parishioners who wish to continue to wear masks must be allowed to do so, pastors may remove all signage regarding mask wearing. SMM supports a welcoming environment for those members of our parish who wish to wear masks.
For those who still prefer socially distanced seating, we will continue to devote a section of pews at Mass on the right side of church, in front of the piano, that has every other pew roped off. This ensures 3 feet of social distancing.
Updated 2/22/22
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Hand sanitizing stations are supplied at our entrance and exits. There are also 2 sanitizing stations on the altar for use by staff & volunteers during Mass.
SMM is utilizing an IonoMax Mister by Ionogen to sanitize which covers 8,000 - 10,000 square feet per tank and is ideal for churches.
Surfaces inside & outside the church touched by people before, during, and/or after the service are disinfected according to CDC standards.