COVID 19 UPDATE:  OLF COVID 19 UPDATE

Beginning the weekend of November 14-15, 2020, the recessional after Communion will discontinue. Keeping a safe distance, people can return to their pews after receiving Holy Communion and then dismiss after the final blessing.  Please know that we are concerned for the safety and health of everyone while keeping within our limitations of time and space; and any fears and anxiety of our parishioners.  Thank you to everyone who is making this possible.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Out of an abundance of care for your safety, and the wellbeing of our Priests and volunteers at Mass, we continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the government and diocese. Our present format in Our Lady of Fatima Church is as follows:

Parishioners who are particularly vulnerable (over the age of 60, existing heart or lung condition, diabetes or immune compromised) are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED , for their own health, to avoid public celebrations until all restrictions are lifted.

The dispensation from Sunday obligation issued on March 12, 2020 remains in place for the Diocese of Wilmington.

Please check your temperature before arrival. Those who show symptoms of a virus are asked to stay home.

Sunday Masses are presently: 5:00 p.m. Saturday (English) and 7:30 PM (Spanish) and Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 12 Noon.

All members of the assembly and ministers are required to sanitize their hands upon entering the church.

Properly worn face masks, covering both the mouth and nose, are required of all the assembly. ONLY Toddlers are exempt.

The faithful are asked to sit 6-feet apart from each other. Members of the same household may sit together. Designated markings on the pew show the allowed seating arrangement. Please follow the instructions of the host usher.

The exchange of the Sign of Peace is still omitted and Communion is under 1 species only.  At this time Communion is to be received in the hand only.

Our Lady of Fatima offers daily Mass at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday  through Saturday.

The chapel is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturday for Mass and private prayer.

The disinfecting of the church and chapel must take place afterward.

Reconciliation is available on Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. in the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel.  Masks are required.

No gatherings are allowed in the church.

Provided a parish is equipped to follow guidelines issued by the Diocese of Wilmington in tandem with government officials, public Mass, Funerals, Weddings and Baptisms may be celebrated.

Until we move to Phase 3 and receive additional guidelines from the Bishop’s Office, all other church activity is restricted.

FUNERALS
As we move forward slowly and cautiously, funerals will be celebrated with the same restrictions as Sunday Mass (mask use, physical distancing, sanitizing, attendance limitations, etc.) and mindful of reducing gathering and the time spent in the church. In accordance with the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington Covid-19 guidelines for funerals, there are to be no eulogies or family readers and we cannot offer visitations in the Church or processions at this time.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,