Our parish has worked to maintain a safe worship environment during COVID-19. Despite this, parishioners should understand they assume the risk of contracting COVID-19 anytime they enter a public space, since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish has resumed its Mass schedule of 5 pm Saturday and 8 am, 9:30 am, 11:15 am and 5 pm Sunday. Parishioners who are vulnerable -- including those who have existing heart or lung conditions or are immunocomprised -- may remain home. Anyone who is feeling sick or experiencing cough or fever symptoms should also avoid public gatherings, including Mass. Beginning Sunday, January 9, 2022, the parish will resume its offering of a virtual Sunday Mass on the Parish YouTube Channel, premiering at 10 am Sunday. See the archdiocesan Sunday TV Mass.

The following health protocols will be followed at St. Francis of Assisi Church (updated January 1, 2022):

• People attending Mass or gathering for an indoor event at church are asked to wear face masks, per the Montgomery County order.  
• Our parish has implemented a three-feet social distancing requirement between individuals or groups in separate households. A section of the church is cordoned off with six-feet distancing for those who wish to maintain more distance between themselves and others.
• A cantor and accompanying musician will lead the music at Mass. Only the cantor should sing during Mass; there is no congregational singing.
• The offertory processsion and passing of the offertory basket have been suspended. Parishioners are invited to leave their offertory contributions in baskets at the entrance of the church.
• The Eucharist will be offered in one species only and should be received in the hand.
• All clergy and liturgical ministers are required to wear masks when distributing Holy Communion. Anyone administering Holy Communion must continue sanitizing one’s hands before distributing Communion and if one’s hand touches the hand of the communicant.
• High-touch surfaces in the church will be cleaned once a day to help remove viruses and maintain a healthy facility. In addition, the shared indoor space will be disinfected at least weekly. If a person with a positive COVID-19 case is known to have been inside the church, cleaning and disinfection will happen immediately.