Diocese of Scranton
Liturgical Guidelines for the Gradual Re-Opening
of Public Mass Celebrations (Yellow Phase)
No parishioner should expect to attend Mass on a daily or regular basis
The obligation to attend Mass remains suspended
St. Joachim Church in Meshoppen (a borough in Wyoming County) is still in Red Phase
Temporary Schedule for Weekday Mass (everyone must wear a mask– two people for one pew –Maintain social distancing throughout Mass including the line for Communion – Use Hand Sanitizer – Communion by hand and Communion takes place at the end of Mass before departure – No Hymnals or missalettes from the pews – no need for choirs to participate)
Mon. May 18 to Thurs. May 21 12:00 noon in St. Mary Church
Fri. May 22 12:15 PM in St. Mary for Joachim Church people
Sat. May 23 7:30 AM in St. Mary
The same schedule will continue after this week. Weekday Mass schedule and Church Location will be changed at the time of full re-opening
Temporary Schedule for Weekend Mass (Limited to 25 people attending – Must wear a mask – Two people for one pew –Use hand sanitizer – Communion by hand. Communion takes place at the end of Mass before departure. Do not return to pew after receiving Communion; everyone exit the church right away– No Hymnals and missalettes from the pews– no need for choirs to participate – Simple procession at the beginning of Mass, just priest carries the crucifix from the back – no altar servers – no gift bearing – short readings, brief homilies….The duration of Mass should be shortened – No bulletin provided—No collection will be taken up please use baskets provided at the entrances to the church.)
Sat. May 23 Vigil Mass 5:00 PM In St. Mary Church
Sat. May 23 Vigil Mass 7:00 PM In St. Mary for St. Joachim Church people
Sun.May 24 Sunday Mass 9:00 AM In St. Mary for St. Joachim Church people
Sun.May 24 Sunday Mass 11:00 AM In St. Mary Church
The same schedule will continue after this weekend . Weekend Mass schedule and Church location will be changed at the time of full re-opening
Sacraments of Matrimony – of Baptism (Only one child at a time) – of funerals : 25 people and all wear mask
Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation will be postponed until the time of full re-opening
Given by Bishop Joseph Bambera
