Slideshow image

At a Special Congregation Council meeting, held on May 27, the Council approved the following new guidlelines for In-Person Worship. These new guidelines go into effect beginning Sunday, June 6, 2021.

Based on the new CDC  guidelines regarding COVID-19 and the end of the Omaha mask mandate, Holy Cross is making changes to our In-Person Worship Guidelines effective June 6, 2021.  As you will see below, those who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks or practice social distancing and will be allowed to sing in worship.

However, it must be made very clear that this does not mean that everything is back to normal. We must be highly mindful of those around us who are still at risk including:

  • those who are not yet fully vaccinated    
  • those who are vaccinated but have underlying health issues    
  • children, age 11 and under, and individuals who are not yet able to receive a vaccination

Jesus' admonition to “love your neighbor as yourself” means those who are not fully vaccinated are expected to continue to wear a mask, refrain from singing, and practice social distancing. We must make it a priority to care for those still at risk, especially our children.

To provide families with young children and/or adults who are greater risk for COVID-19 an opportunity to worship more safely, we are planning on having one outdoor worship each month, June through September. 

The most important thing we can all do to help get things as close to back to normal as possible is get vaccinated. If you need any assistance getting vaccinated, please ask for help. 

General Information

  • Worship services will continue to be live streamed and posted on our website.    
  • People who are feeling ill, have been exposed to COVID-19, or are at high risk of exposing others are asked not to attend worship.    
  • People who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks or practice social distancing, doing so is of course optional.    
  • People who have not been fully vaccinated are expected to wear masks, practice social distancing, and refrain from singing. (The CDC recommends that people who have had COVID-19 and recovered should still be vaccinated, and therefore are expected to wear masks, practice social distancing, and refrain from singing. 1 )    
  • Pray Ground is still removed. Parents are encouraged to bring quiet activities for children.    
  • Bulletins will continue to be emailed. Projection will resume when the streaming system is installed. A few minimal bulletins will be available.    
  • Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be available.    
  • There will be no food served after worship.    

Worship

  • People are no longer asked to make reservations or sit in assigned seats.    
  • Congregational singing is allowed for those who are fully vaccinated.    
  • Communion will be served as usual. However, people are welcome to bring their own communion elements and commune in their seats.    
  • Passing of the Peace is optional on an individual basis.    
  • Offering plates will not be passed. An offering plate will be available near the font.    
  • Hymnals and Bibles will be available in the Sanctuary.    
  • The baptism font will have something to symbolize water, please do not touch.    

Worship Leadership

  •  Two ushers will be assigned to each worship service.
  • Two Communion Assistants will be assigned to each worship service.   
  •  Assisting Ministers may be phased back into worship.
  • Acolytes may be phased back into worship.   

 

1“Getting COVID-19 may offer some protection, known as natural immunity. Current evidence suggests that reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the months after initial infection, but may increase with time. The risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness.”
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html)