We are very grateful to be able to offer public Masses again.  We will operate under our normal schedule: Saturdays at 5 PM at St. Mary, Sunday at 8 AM at St. Barbara, and Sunday at 10 AM and at 5 PM at St. Mary. We will be able to admit 179 worshipers at each Mass at St. Mary’s and 48 worshipers at each Mass at St. Barbara. Other restrictions apply including social distancing, wearing a face covering throughout Mass, and sanitizing hands.

Our reservation process for Sunday Masses (including Masses at 5PM Saturday): 

1. We will accept reservations for these Masses from 10 AM Tuesday through 12 Noon on Friday. We will only accept requests for the next Saturday and Sunday Masses.

2. During these times, you can call day or night to the office at St. Mary Church -- (618) 244-1559. If someone is available, they will take your information and confirm your reservation.

3. After office hours, or if no one is available to answer the telephone, please dial extension #202. Leave a voicemail message in that voicemail box that includes your name, your telephone number, the date and time of the Mass you want to attend, and the total number of people attending (yourself and those attending with you). Please leave a telephone number where you can receive messages. It may not be possible to make multiple phone calls or to call at specific times to reach you.

4.  Each morning someone will check the overnight messages and return calls to inform you about whether we can honor your request.

If the Mass is not already full, we can accept walk-ins. We will use this system. A GREEN FLAG flying near the church bell at St. Barbara or St. Mary means that spaces are available at that Mass.  A RED FLAG means that we cannot admit anyone else.

• Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we all attempt to adapt to the limitations on gatherings during this time of pandemic. 

• While our staff and volunteers attempt to take appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities, parishioners and guests should understand that they assume the risk of contracting COVID-19 anytime they enter a public space since such precautions do not eliminate the rist of infection. 

• Those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 should avoid being in groups and entering public spaces, even if it means that you are unable to attend Mass. 

• Please remember, the Bishop of Belleville has dispensed everyone in the diocese from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and solemnities during the COVID-19 crisis. There is no sin associated with missing Sunday Mass during this pandemic.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

• Check your temperature. If you have one, please do not come to church.

• Stay home if you are ill.

• If you have been exposed to someone who is confirmed for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, do not come to church.

• Make sure that you have a face covering to bring and wear.

• Make a reservation. See the directions above.

• If you do not have a reservation, check the flag near the church bell. GREEN means that a few seats are still available. RED means that the Mass is at capacity.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early.

• Enter St. Mary through the West door (the door nearest the parish office). Enter St. Barbara through the center doors.

• Wait patiently to be checked in by a greeter.

• Keep your face covering or mask on at all times exept for receiving Communion.

• Sanitize your hands as directed by a greeter.

• Observe social distancing at all times. Look for marks on the floor to help you stay 6 feet apart.

• Ushers will direct you to a marked pew. Worshipers will be seated from front to back. This is to help limit movement throuogh occupied sections.

• Since there will be no passing of the baskets for your offering, please leave your offering in the basket provided at the entrance.

DURING THE SERVICE

• Do not change seats during a service.

• No physical sign of peace will be exchanged during Mass.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMUNION

• Only the priest and deacon will receive Communion during Mass. The Faithful will receive Communion after the dismissal.

• Leave your seat only when directed by the usher or greeter.

• Maintain 6 feet social distancing. Look for markings on the floor.

• Sanitize your hands. After sanitizing do not touch any surfaces.

• Approach the priest or deacon when you are called forward. Do not remove your mask.

• Extend your hand to receive Communion. The minister will place the Eucharist in your hand.

• After moving 6 feet to the right or left, lower your mask and consume the host.

• Replace your face covering.

• Exit the Church. Go directly to your vehicle.

AFTER MASS

• Please take any worship aids with you. Throw them away at home.

• Do not congregate outside the church doors.

• Continue to wear your face covering until you leave the area where other worshipers are.

FR. NICK OR FR. JOEL WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE EAST DOOR OF ST. MARY CHURCH (ON THE SCHOOL SIDE) AFTER THE 10 AM MASS FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. HE WILL DISTRIBUTE COMMUNION TO THOSE WHO WATCH MASS ONLINE OR ON TV, BUT CANNOT ATTEND MASS. FOLLOW THE SAME PREPARATIONS ABOVE: TAKE YOUR TEMP, BE ATTENTIVE TO SYMPTOMS, WEAR A MASK, MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND SANITIZE YOUR HANDS BEFORE RECEIVING.

Again, thank you for your 
patience and faithfulness!