Covid-19 Response & Recommendations

UPDATED 2-9-21

Please note that during the current crisis, the amount of seating at each Mass is limited to allow of social distancing and we may not be able to accommodate everyone who wishes to enter the church, but we have overflow seating with simulcast in Marian Hall and the gym.

Archbishop Vigneron recently extended the dispensation from the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation for all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Detroit, as well as for all travelers during their time within the territory of the Archdiocese of Detroit, until Saturday, March 13, 2021. While the dispensation from the grave obligation to attend Sunday Mass is in effect, all baptized Catholics are reminded of the grave necessity they have to keep holy the Lord’s Day. 

In his most recent letter the Archbishop says:

In recognition of the essential and central nature of the Eucharist Sacrifice in our lives as Catholics, and in acknowledgement of my duty as shepherd to care for the souls of everyone within our diocese, it is important that I lead more of the faithful back to Mass, when and where possible. That is why the general dispensation from the Sunday obligation will be extended only for one month, until March 13. With its expiration, I intend to grant numerous particular dispensations to those in need.

He goes on to say:

We know that there remains the concern for spread of infection, particularly among the winter months when we live indoors to a greater degree. All of us must remain vigilant to limit its spread, particularly among those most vulnerable. With this in mind, I am granting particular dispensations from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation for people in certain circumstances, including those who are ill and those who care for anyone who is at-risk of serious complications from COVID-19. I am making a particular request that those who are ill or think they might be ill to refrain from this in-person participation in the liturgy as an act of justice and charity to others. Those who would experience significant anxiety or fear of getting sick from being in a public setting are similarly dispensed from their obligation to attend. More information about the particular dispensations can be found here. In allowing the general dispensation to expire, we welcome back to Mass all Catholics who have already been engaged in other activities that would present a similar or greater risk of exposure, such as eating out at restaurants, traveling, partaking in non-essential shopping, and widening one’s circle of contacts. These individuals should also prepare to return to Mass in recognition of its preeminence in our lives as Catholics.

For those who are staying home, the Saturday evening Mass will continue to be live-streamed and available via  our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel on Saturdays at 4:30pm.
 

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This is a partial list of requirements to attend Mass:

• Persons who are not feeling well and those with medical conditions or considered "at risk"  are advised not to come to Mass.
• Everyone is required to wear a protective mask that covers the mouth and nose. This does not apply to children under 2 years of age.
• Hands must be sanitized and clean before entering the church.
• Everyone must keep a social distance of 6 feet while in the church and moving around the church. Family and household members may sit together.
• When joining into the worship of the Mass (ie: speaking or singing responses), please do so quietly under your mask.

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OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:

• Confessions are available by appointment and on Saturdays from 3:30-4:15pm and Mondays from 6:30-7:45pm. If you are interested in scheduling a confession, please call the parish office at 248-693-0440 and leave a message for Fr. Jim (ext. 207) or Fr. John (ext. 206).
   
• The church is now open for personal prayer Monday through Friday from 9am to 3:30pm. 

 

• If you are in need of assistance with a funeral, baptism, wedding or any other sacrament, please call the parish office at 248-693-0440. 

 

• St. Joseph Parish is following the prescribed measures required by the Oakland County Health Division found here.