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Attending Mass & COVID-19

MAJOR CHANGES TO COVID PROTOCOLS as of May 25, 2021

Following updates from the CDC and the Commonwealth of Virginia, every church in the Diocese of Arlington can now celebrate Mass and other liturgies at full capacity and with no social distancing limitations. 

 

Important:

The dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation will be lifted and the obligation to attend Mass will be reinstated on Saturday, June 26, 2021 and Sunday, June 27, 2021. 

 

This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus, another serious or contagious illness; those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions. 

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Executive Order (EO 79) lifted all previous directives. All churches in the Diocese of Arlington will operate similar to pre-COVID-19.

 

Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks. Those who are unvaccinated are encouraged to wear masks for the time being. No one will be asked about his/her vaccination status and no one will be restricted from entering a church or inhibited in any way for not wearing a mask. 

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Celebrating

The following liturgical elements that were suspended or modified may now be reintroduced:

  • Holy water in fonts

  • Worship aids

  • Singing by full choirs and the faithful

  • Collections baskets

  • Presentation of the gifts by the lay faithful

  • The sign of peace(without physical contact between non-family members)

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Communion

The Diocese continues to suppress the distribution of the Precious Blood until further notice.

 

Each communicant retains the right to decide how to receive, either on the tongue or in the hand. 

 

It is not permitted to receive Communion in the hand while wearing gloves. If you are wearing gloves and will receive Communion in the hand, please remove your gloves prior to the reception of Communion. 

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