386 E. 5th St, Benson, AZ 85602, US
From Father Martin
As of today, April 22, 2021, we are opening our protocols in the following ways:
Celebrations of Confirmation: Follow the Sunday Mass protocols. The prior restriction on sponsors being limited to those residing in the home of the confirmandi is hereby removed.
Celebrations of Weddings: Follow the Sunday Mass protocols.
Celebrations of First Holy Communions: Follow the Sunday Mass protocols.
Celebrations of Funerals: Follow the Sunday Mass protocols.
Celebration of Confessions: Recommended outdoors. May be celebrated indoors in a ventilated space but may not be celebrated in a small and contained space such as a traditional confessional. A screen of some kind must be offered and the use of facemasks is required.
Celebrations of Baptisms: Limit of 30 persons for a single baptism. This low number helps to prevent the social distancing from collapsing which often happens among family members. For those parishes that need to celebrate group baptisms, only four persons may be present for each child to be baptized. In all instances facemasks are required. Outdoor baptisms are permitted with no limit on the number of attendees as long as social distancing is enforced and facemasks are worn.
Quinceañeras: Limit of 40 persons
To resume the Communion Ministry to the homebound, Eucharistic Ministers must be fully vaccinated and wait two weeks after their final vaccination before returning to ministry. When they deliver Communion to the homebound they must wear masks, disinfect their hands before and after the visit, limit the time spent with the homebound to less than 15 minutes indoors, and must social distance while they are visiting. Additionally, if they are ministering to Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities they must follow the protocols of each care facility.
Despite the good news of greatly reduced hospitalizations, now is not a time for us to grow lax in relation to our Covid-19 protocols. I also urge you to reinforce the need for masks and appropriate social distancing, and continue to urge your parishioners to get vaccinated for the sake of the community.
