St. Alphonsus-St. Clement Parish

JUNE 22 UPDATE
Phase Two of churches reopening goes into effect today, June 22, 2020. This next phase includes the following changes:
Churches are permitted to seat up to 50 percent capacity provided that face-coverings are still worn and physical distancing between households can be maintained.

What a blessing that we can return to Mass and celebrate as a community!
Following are the procedures established by the Archdiocese. Thank you ahead of time for your patience and understanding. Please know that the health and safety of our parishioners is our primary focus.  Through it all, we must remember that this virus does not discriminate between gatherings; a group gathered for sacred worship is not immune by the merits of its gathering. It is only through our careful observance of these precautions that we make it possible to resume public Mass.

As per the CDC guidelines, anyone older than 65, anyone with a compromised health condition and those caring for the sick are encouraged to stay home. Also, anyone who feels ill (such as having a temperature, cough, etc.,) should definitely stay home out of concern for the whole community.

Dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass is granted to all the faithful through Sunday, September 6, 2020. This means if you are concerned about being in a public place or fall into one of the categories listed above you are not obligated to attend Mass because of the pandemic. You must however still observe the Lord’s Day and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday. An excellent way is through participating in a broadcast of the Sunday Mass or participating in a corporal or spiritual act of mercy.

Masks must be worn by all (except for those under 2 years old) in and around the church.

Social distancing will be required although those living in the same household may sit together.

Please do not gather or linger in the church building either before or after Mass.

Although receiving Communion on the tongue is an option, you are asked out of Christian charity and for the concern of others to receive Communion in the hand. If you wish to receive on the tongue you will need to wait until the end of Mass to receive Communion from the Celebrant. We encourage you to bring your own hand sanitizer to use before Holy Communion.

Mass Times remain the same:
Weekdays: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday at 4 p.m., Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Read the new guidelines. 

Read Archbishop Vigneron’s May 12, 2020 letter on the return of Public Mass.

Archdiocese of Detroit COVID-19 Response and Recommendations