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 pre-pandemic 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. There are no more virtual Sunday Masses. See the archdiocesan Sunday TV Mass.

The following health protocols will be followed at St. Francis of Assisi Church:

• The use of masks while gathered inside the church is required for all vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons over the age of two, per an order passed by the Montgomery County Council on August 5, 2021, and archdiocesan guidelines. Please be  mindful that many people in our congregation, including immunocomprised persons and children under 12, remain vulnerable to contracting the coronavirus. 
• Our parish has implemented a three-feet social distancing requirement between individuals or groups in separate households with most pews now in use. 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. The celebrant and cantor will invite the congregation to sing the responsorial psalm, gospel acclamation and mass parts. The cantor will proclaim the psalm from the ambo and hymns will be sung by the cantor alone for now. 
• The Eucharist will be offered in one species only and must 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.
• Attendees will be seated by an usher. Mass attendees should wait until the end of Mass to leave the church.  
• Per updated recommendations, high-touch surfaces in the church will be cleaned once a day with soap and water to help remove viruses and maintain a healthy facility. In addition to the daily cleaning, 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.