Updated November 16, 2020
UPDATED COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR THE DIOCESE OF SIOUX CITY
To go into effect, at the latest, on November 20, 2020
Liturgical •
Mandate: While instrumental music may be utilized at Mass, the use of a cantor is prohibited (with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) so as to not encourage congregational singing. Congregational singing, in any capacity, is not allowed. Recorded music, by virtue of the liturgical law of the Church, is not allowed.
• No other mandates are being issued in relation to the liturgical or sacramental life of parishes.
Parish Life •
Mandate: All Religious Education programs will cease meeting in person with faith formation continuing at home between parent and child, or on a virtual platform, or a combination of the two. Based on this, each parish religious education program will determine their own course of action according to the resources available to the parish. •
Mandate: All in-person parish group meetings or events, regardless of size, must be suspended or go to virtual platforms. This includes, but is not limited to: Adult Education, RCIA, Parish Board and Leadership Meetings, General Meetings, Marriage Preparation, Baptismal Preparation, Youth Groups, Knights of Columbus Meetings, Guild Meetings, Bible Studies, etc. The parish facilities are also closed to outside groups, such as the Boy Scouts. •
Mandate: Parish facilities are closed for use. No funeral dinners, no receptions or parties, and no facility rentals. Exceptions for already-existing facility bookings must be discussed with Fr. Brad Pelzel. Schools may continue to use parish facilities for lunch overflow. •
Mandate: While in the office, hall, or other buildings, all parish staff are required to wear a mask when they leave their personal work area and are to constantly wear a mask when working in a common workspace with other co-workers. •
Approved: Private meetings between the pastor or parish employees with one or two people and drive-thru fundraisers/dinners/sales/food pantry services are allowed, provided that appropriate social distancing, masking, and sanitization procedures are followed.
School Extracurricular Activities •
Mandate: Due to the risk of heightened spread of COVID-19, all diocesan school and religious education programs involving music/singing are to be done virtually with no live audience, until further notice. •
Strong Recommendation: As it applies to sporting activities, the diocese has no clear or direct authority over sports associations networked throughout various schools. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended that sporting events be virtual in nature with no live audience, until further notice.