LITURGY IN THE LOT (MASS OUTDOORS DURING THE WINTER)

Entering the Parking Lot for Mass Outdoors
With the lawn now covered in snow, Mass on the Grass has moved to Liturgy in the Lot. 
Members of the Knights of Columbus will guide you into the parking lot for Mass. You are asked to pull forward into each parking space to face the church. Those in larger vehicles (trucks, SUVs, vans, etc.) may be asked to back their vehicles into the spaces at the back of the lot. This will allow those in smaller cars to see the altar. 

In-Car Participation for Mass Celebrated Outdoors
Liturgy in the Lot is available for in-car participation for Mass. Outdoor seating areas will not be available. Those participating from their cars are asked to please remain in their vehicles during Mass. Those that will participate from their cars will be able to tune to St. Paul’s local FM radio transmission on 106.9 FM. The transmission only covers the church grounds in accordance with FCC guidelines and regulations for this type of local transmission. 

Distribution of Holy Communion for Mass Outdoors
After Mass is concluded, Holy Communion will be distributed inside the church. After the final blessing, those wishing to receive Holy Communion are asked to exit their vehicle, enter the front doors of the church, and form a line down the center aisle in the usual way. Hand sanitizer will be available for use. Once you have received communion, you will exit the church by the side door near the tabernacle. Please practice safe social distancing so that everyone feels comfortable.

In the reception of Holy Communion, it is proper to bow before receiving Our Lord in the Eucharist. Because we have reverenced Our Lord in the reception of Holy Communion, please do not reverence the tabernacle as you exit the church. The tabernacle will most likely be empty during the distribution of Holy Communion. 

If the priest, deacon, or minister distributing communion comes into physical contact with you at any time, they will stop and utilize the hand sanitizer before continuing. We want to make sure that everyone stays as healthy as possible, including your pastor, deacon, and those distributing communion.

It is the recommendation and preference of the Diocese of Harrisburg and the Office for Divine Worship that communion is received on the hand at this time. 

Handicap Parking Available
Those attending Mass outdoors who are not able to make it inside for Holy Communion are asked to park in the handicapped parking spaces. Holy Communion will be brought to you. We ask that those who are physically able, please stand outside your vehicle to receive Holy Communion. If you are not able to exit your vehicle, special arrangements will be made.

For Those Uncomfortable Entering the Church
If you and your family are not comfortable entering the church at this time, Holy Communion will also be distributed outdoors after the communion line inside is completed. Please form a line on the sidewalk, near the outdoor altar, and Holy Communion will be brought to you.

Restrooms
Outdoor restrooms are no longer available due to the temperature and the need to winterize the parish pavilion. Indoor restrooms will be available after Mass via the front door.

Go in Peace
After you receive communion, please return directly to your car to make a prayer of thanksgiving with your family after receiving the Eucharist. Please do not gather in the parking lot. The reception of Holy Communion is a time for prayer and reflection. 

Weekly Giving
For those who are not already enrolled in online giving, offertory baskets will be available as you exit the church and exit the parking lot. Collection baskets will be not be passed during Mass.

 

LIVESTREAM CONTINUES

(5:00pm Saturday Vigil and 7:30am Sunday Mass)

(Livestream options will be changed as we continue to look at adjusting our Sunday schedule)

As we approach the cold winter months, modified arrangements will be made for an outdoor Mass to be celebrated in the parking lot with audio transmitted via FM radio for those who feel most comfortable worshiping from their cars.

Before Returning to Mass
Before returning to Mass, we ask that you please ensure that you and everyone in your household are healthy. If you have a fever above 100 degrees, a sustained cough, or if you are in a high-risk group, then please consider watching our livestream broadcast on Sunday mornings from home. 

Please remember... it is necessary to wear a mask at St. Paul's.

The Obligation to Attend Sunday Mass Remains Suspended

As a reminder, Bishop Gainer has suspended the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days during this time. We hope that you will be able to continue participating from home if you cannot join us in person. 

Face Masks are Required for Those Wishing to Worship at St. Paul's. 

Face masks are now mandatory in all public spaces by order of Gov. Wolf and state Health Secretary Dr. Levine.

The Diocese of Harrisburg states that this includes our church properties whenever the faithful are assembling for Holy Mass or other liturgical services. Please note that the following amends all previous instructions given by the Commonwealth and the Diocese of Harrisburg.  

Masks are to be worn by all individuals, laity, and clergy, attending liturgical services, and parochial events, whether in a church building or out of doors. The masks are to remain on the faces of individuals the entire time they are assembled with the exception of the reception of Holy Communion.

Priests are to wear masks during the celebration of Mass with the exception of particular times within the liturgy. Priests and deacons are to wear masks during the celebration of the sacraments whenever possible, especially when they are in proximity to others. 
 
 

MASS INSIDE THE CHURCH

Entering the Church for Mass
For weekend Masses, please enter the church through the front doors, into the narthex. Ushers will be there to greet you and take you to a seat that is socially distant, in order to maintain guidelines set by the state and the Diocese of Harrisburg. Please remember that you will need a mask to enter the church. Hand sanitizing stations will be available.

For daily Mass, please use the side door of the church.


Seating Inside the Church
There is limited seating available inside the church (every other pew is available for seating). Once the church has reached maximum capacity, those wishing to attend Mass will be encouraged to attend a different scheduled Mass at a later time.

Additional seating options and standing room will be available in the parish hall for Christmas liturgies. Standing room will be available in the narthex.


Exchange of Peace Suspended
Per diocesan guidelines, there will not be an exchange of peace of any kind during Mass. We will guide you with any other changes to the liturgy. 


Distribution of Holy Communion for Mass Indoors
For most Masses, Holy Communion will be distributed within the celebration of Mass at the usual place within the liturgy. At the pastor's discretion, for particular Masses and liturgical celebrations, the distribution of Holy Communion may take place at the end of Mass, as opposed to the usual place within Mass. Additional instruction will be provided at each liturgy, as necessary, to ensure that social distancing is maintained.


Go in Peace
After Mass has concluded, please maintain a spirit of silence and reverence inside the church for those wishing to remain for a period of silent prayer. Individuals are asked not to gather inside the narthex or at the doors of the church.


Weekly Giving
For those who are not already enrolled in online giving, offertory baskets will be available as you exit the church. Collection baskets will be not be passed during Mass.