Public Masses in the Diocese of Stockton will resume on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, Sunday, June 14 (including Saturday June 13 Vigil Masses), with multiple safeguards and precautions in place to protect the health of parishioners and the community.
Since March 18, Masses have been celebrated and livestreamed online and via social media. Stockton Bishop Myron J. Cotta welcomed the easing of state and county restrictions and the development of safeguards to once again make public celebrations possible.
The safeguards that will be in place were developed in close cooperation with public health experts at the county and state levels. They are designed to make the public gathering as safe as possible. These include:
- Thorough, frequent sanitization of churches, including pews, door handles, railings, etc.
- Shared items, such as hymnals, will not be available.
- Attendance at Mass will be limited to 25 percent of a church’s normal capacity and will not exceed 100 people at any time.
- Social distancing between those who do not share a household will be required.
- Hand sanitizer will be available and used during Mass.
- Parishioners are asked to wear face masks if able to do so safely.
- Singing will not be a part of the liturgy.