Dear Parish Family,
   As you may be aware, St. Pio Parish has reopened our doors to our regular daily and weekend mass schedule.  We are happy so many of you have joined us, again.
   To ensure the health and well-being of our parishioners and myself, I have outlined directives for the resumption of Mass at St. Pio Parish.
   These directives have been adapted from the Archdiocese of Detroit.  As we prepare for the gradual opening of our church, we may experience many challenges.  I ask that you be respectful and understanding during these difficult times.
   In order to participate in the celebration of the Mass, I ask that you follow the Directives outlined in this letter.
Your Shepherd,
Fr. Greg
 
Directives for Resumption of Masses at St. Pio Parish
 

1. St. Pio Parish will resume Mass on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at 4:00 pm.
   1. Those older than 65 years (the recommended CDC age), with a compromised health condition or caring for the sick, caring for young children who are concerned about their health, or those who are anxious about returning to Mass, are encouraged to stay home.
   2. Anyone who is ill, such as feeling febrile or having a temperature, cough, fatigue, etc., should stay home as an act of justice to the whole community.
   3. Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 should not return to Mass unless cleared by their healthcare provider.
   4. The dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass is granted to all the faithful through Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
2. Seating for the assembly at St. Pio Church
   1. Under the Archdiocese of Detroit, parish churches are not to exceed 25% of total capacity for the church; due to social distancing guidelines, this means we cannot exceed more than 65 people per mass at our church.
   2. The first 65 people to arrive at the church will be allowed in.  This means that we will allow people in on a first come first served basis, only.
3. Entering the Church
   1. Parishioners will be asked to enter the Church only through the Main Entrance Doors, on the North side of the Church.
4. Necessary conditions for attending Mass
   1. A mask must always be worn during the Mass. Without a mask, you will not be allowed into church.
   2. I strongly encourage you to wear gloves while in the church, although it is not mandatory.
   3. Those from the same household may sit together, otherwise physical distancing must be practiced in the church at all time.
   4. The pews will be marked to assist with seating.
   5. No greeting or socializing, either before, during, or after mass is permitted in the church or in the church parking lot.
   6. Out of respect for our limited space restrictions, I ask that you please attend only one Mass per weekend.
   7. There will be no Holy Water present in the church.
   8. There will be no holding/shaking hands during the “Our Father” or during the “Sign of Peace”.
   9. The Body of Christ will be administered on the hand only.  You may remove your mask to receive the host, then it must be put back on.
   10. There will be no Blood of Christ administered.
   11. There will be no hymnals present in the pews.  Music will still be provided and will be easy to follow.
5. Collection Procedure
   1. A collection basket will be present in front of the Altar.  Please place your collection envelope in the basket when you arrive at the church before Mass.
   2. Please remember to maintain physical distance from other parishioners while going up to the altar.
   3. For those of you who remain at home, we ask that you continue to support our parish with your weekly contributions. You may drop your envelopes in the mailbox on the west side of the church, mail your envelopes or send through e-giving.
6. Confessions
   1. Confessions will be available in the Confessional on Saturdays from 2:30 pm -3:30 pm., behind the screen only.
   2. Anyone making a confession must wear a mask at all times.
   3. There will not be a kneeler in the confessional, you will have to stand during your confession.
   4. I strongly encourage you to wear gloves, although it is not mandatory.
7. Rosary before Mass
   1. Prayer of the Rosary will resume 30 minutes before weekend and weekday Masses on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at 3:30 pm.
   2. Please follow guidelines as stated in “Necessary Conditions for Attending Mass”
8. Eucharistic Adoration
   1. There will be no Eucharistic Adoration at St. Pio Parish until September 6, 2020 and is subject to change.
9. Baptisms/Weddings/Funerals
   1. Beginning May 30, 2020, Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals may resume following the same guidelines as stated in “Necessary Conditions for Attending Mass”
   2. Please call the parish office to make arrangements.
10. Meetings
    1. There will be NO meetings of any kind held at St. Pio Parish until September 6, 2020 and is subject to change.
11. Office Hours
    1. The parish office hours will resume on Monday, June 1, 2020 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (closed for lunch from 12:00 – 1:00 pm) and from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm on Friday.
    2. I ask that you only visit the parish office if it is necessary; otherwise, please call or email your requests or concerns.
    3. If you must visit the parish office, you must maintain the following guidelines: a mask must be worn at all times, you must maintain six feet of social distancing, and you may not touch any surfaces at the front desk.
12. Worship Schedule
    1. Confession: Saturdays from 2:30 – 3:30 pm
    2. Mass: Saturday 4:00 pm
    3. Mass: Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 am
    4. Mass: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9:00am
    5. Rosary:  30 minutes before all weekend and weekday Masses