https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8vLUpcCc9c

The following statement was recently made by the New Jersey Bishops:

At this time, due to the observance of
public safety protocols and
the increase in the availability of vaccines,
we have begun a return to some sense of normalcy in various sectors of our society.

Therefore, we the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, are lifting the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation beginning on Saturday, June 5, 2021, and Sunday, June 6, 2021, Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
We welcome the Christian faithful
to return to the regular participation in
the Sunday Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith (cf. Code of Canon Law canon 1247 and Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2180).

This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus or another serious or contagious illness;
those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions. One should consult the local pastor if questions arise about the obligation to attend Mass (canon 87).

Finally, safety protocols (such as wearing masks, social distancing, etc.) and liturgical directives (communion in the hand, communion under one species, etc.) in each New Jersey Diocese remains in place until modified or revoked
by the respective Diocesan Bishop.

These directives apply to all indoor and outdoor events. Churches and meeting spaces should continue to be sanitized after each liturgy, event or meeting. Effective May 28, masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated persons. If not fully vaccinated, persons are strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidance and wear a face mask in public settings. Any vaccinated person preferring to wear a mask should feel free to do so. It is not required to show proof of vaccination. People will no longer be required to socially distance indoors or outdoors, although unvaccinated persons should continue to maintain a safe distance from others. Effective June 4, all indoor gathering limits will be removed.

Opening (and closing) processions may take place at any liturgy. Holy water should not be placed in fonts or bowls, but it may be placed in large holy water dispensers with lids. 

Collections may be taken up. Parishes may still leave baskets at the doors of the church for offerings. Parishioners should also be encouraged to use electronic giving. The gifts of bread and wine may be brought forth by members of the assembly.

The Sign of Peace should be offered but continue to be made without physical contact. Communicants will continue to receive Communion in the hand. If not fully vaccinated, they lower their masks to consume the host, then replace their masks. The chalice is still prohibited for the assembly.

Lectors and cantors who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask. Choirs are not required to wear masks or social distance. However, pastors and music directors may impose stricter regulations as needed. Hymnals and reusable booklets are permitted for use. Parishes may continue to use electronic media, e.g., projector and screen, for the people’s participation. Bulletins and other handouts may be left for parishioners to pick up or they may be handed out by ushers/greeters.

Confessionals and reconciliation rooms may be used, but the Sacrament may still be celebrated outside of the confessional. Consideration should be given to the comfort level of both priest and confessor.

During Mass, priests do not have to wear masks, except when distributing Communion. During the Eucharistic Prayer, if a priest is not wearing a mask, there must be a cover over the hosts being consecrated at the altar. All Extraordinary Ministers of Communion (and clergy) must sanitize their hands AFTER they themselves consume Communion and BEFORE they distribute to the assembly. Fully vaccinated ministers are only required to wear a mask when distributing Communion.

It still needs to be noted that even with precautions in place, it is still possible to contract Covid-19 in church. All liturgical ministers should be aware that as parishioners return to Mass, some are experiencing fear and anxiety. There are also parishioners who have underlying health conditions which add to their apprehension. It is important that all ministers comply with these directives in order to ensure the safety of all those attending parish liturgies.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, there has been an increase in scam emails, websites and telephone calls preying on people’s fears and uncertainties. A frequent scam is an email that appears to come from the Pastor or parish staff with an urgent request to transfer funds, purchase gift cards or to share financial account information.

This type of scam is prevalent on the Internet and is successful because people trust that the source is legitimate.  In most cases, the email is being sent from another account but is made to look like it is coming from the Pastor or staff member.

Some simple steps will prevent you from falling victim to this type of scam: Under no circumstances should the requested action be performed solely based on an email exchange. Emails can easily be spoofed to appear that they are coming from a specific person. Prior to any action, confirm in person or over the phone the specific instructions. Do not simply exchange emails; confirmation needs to occur through another means. If you are confirming the instructions over the phone, validate the authenticity of the number you are dialing to your parish database records. Do not share account number and banking information over email. These scams attempt to create a sense of urgency regarding the need to complete the fund transfer quickly, while also creating the illusion that the Pastor or staff member is not available to do it themselves.

Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of this type of scam is urged to contact their local police department or report the scam to the New Jersey Cyber Crime Unit at (609) 584-5051, ext. 5664 or online at https://www.njsp.org/division/investigations/cyber-crimes.shtml.