Dear Friends,

Bishop Siegel has consulted with priests, diocesan directors and local health officials, and has directed that current parish and diocesan guidelines remain in effect without changes through April 30. At that time, all factors will be reevaluated to determine whether adjustments can be made.

A variety of reasons have led to this decision. The most important among them include the potential impact of spring and Easter breaks on COVID-19 numbers across our 12 counties, the ongoing process of administering COVID-19 vaccines to a large segment of our population, and the still-significant number of people who remain at high risk for infection due to underlying health conditions who have not yet been vaccinated.

Following are the guidelines that remain in effect through April 30:

The use of face coverings is strongly encouraged during Masses and other worship services.

The use of face coverings remains required for other gatherings and non-worship events on parish property (e.g., meetings, etc.).

The faithful are strongly encouraged to receive Holy Communion in the hand.

Parishes must thoroughly clean and sanitize facilities after every use.

Capacities in our churches for Mass and other liturgies and devotions are still limited by social-distancing requirements of at least six feet of space between individuals and family groups living under the same roof. 

Please continue to enforce distancing requirements in church, school and other parish facilities.    

Please note that Indiana schools, including the Diocese of Evansville Catholic schools, will follow all guidelines currently in place through the end of this school year, including the face-covering requirement.

Should Gov. Holcomb announce additional changes in the coming weeks, we will notify you of any potential impacts on these diocesan and parish guidelines. Thank you again for all of your wonderful work on behalf of our Catholic community across Southwestern Indiana.

ST. JOSEPH PRAY FOR US!

Christ’s peace,

Fr. Bernie

Link to our YouTube Channel: Holy Rosary Catholic Church EVV