Stockton diocese masses to resume June 14

STOCKTON — Public Masses in the Diocese of Stockton will resume June 14 with multiple safeguards and precautions in place to protect the health of parishioners and the community.

Attendance at a public Mass is not a requirement for Catholics in the diocese at this time. Those who prefer to remain home and participate via computer are encouraged to do so. In addition, those who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or who are otherwise more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus are asked to remain at home at this time.

Safeguards that will be in place were developed in cooperation with public health experts at the county and state levels. These include:

•Thorough, frequent sanitization of churches, including pews, door handles, railings, etc

• Shared items, such as hymnals, will not be available. •Attendance at Mass will be limited to 25 percent of a church’s normal capacity and will not exceed 100 people at any time.

• Social distancing between those who do not share a household will be required.

• Hand sanitizer will be available and used during Mass.

• Parishioners are asked to wear face masks if able to do so safely.

• Singing will not be a part of the liturgy.

Other parishes may implement additional or modified safeguards. Parishioners should consult their parish for specific guidelines, including information on how to attend Mass when capacity is reduced.