On May 26, the Diocese of Trenton announced a set of protocol changes as the faithful are encouraged to return to in-church Masses. The revisions follow:
REVISIONS OF CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS
The Bishops of New Jersey have ended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation effective June 5-6, 2021, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. The faithful are to return to the practice of participating at weekly celebration of Mass in-church. As is always the case, the obligation does not apply to the sick, those with underlying health conditions, and those who remain fearful of COVID-19 transmission.
Effective May 28, 2021, N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy lifted the mandates requiring the wearing of masks and social distancing. Yet, recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic remains active, wearing a mask is an option for those who wish to do so. The clergy and faithful should use their best judgment to protect their own health and the health of their neighbors. Moreover, those who are not fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a mask. Limits on church capacity to pre-pandemic levels will be lifted on June 4, 2021.
In light of these developments, the protocols regulating the celebration of Mass and Sacraments in effect since June 2020 are greatly modified, if not ended. The following guidance is provided to facilitate an orderly and careful return to parish life. No one is to be refused the Sacraments due to vaccination status.
CLICK HERE for revised protocols.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Following an unprecedented year of pandemic-related challenges, the Diocese of Trenton’s school superintendent issued a letter to parents thanking them for their partnership and commending Catholic schools’ faculty and staff for their commitment and resiliency. In his May 24 letter, Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt also announced that all parish and diocesan Catholic schools will return to full time in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 academic year.
With only a few exceptions, the schools of the Diocese offered in-person learning on a full day schedule for the past year, according to Dr. Schmidt. Remote learning was made available as needed in response to parents’ requests and health protocols where COVID-19 exposure was suspected. Citing the increased availability of COVID-19 vaccines for adults and older children, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of the virus, the Department of Catholic Schools has determined that full-time remote learning will not be necessary come September.
For more information click here.
To read his full letter click here.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has announced the following appointment:
Very Reverend Dennis Apoldite to Episcopal Vicar for Mercer County, effective July 1, 2021, while continuing as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton.
