The Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County

As you may have heard, the Diocese has ended its mandate that masks be worn in diocesan churches and offices, effective February 10, 2022.  However, parishes may continue to impose stricter guidelines as they see fit. (Please see below.)

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are strongly encouraged to continue to wear a mask during the distribution of Communion.  (We in our one faith community still will require ministers of Holy Communion to wear a mask while doing so.)

Keep in mind that, in the event a city or county imposes a mask mandate, parishes are expected to act in accordance with applicable local law or regulation.  The Diocese of Albany will continue to follow the mask requirements for schools. Although not mandated, the faithful are more than welcome to wear masks out of concern for the health and safety of others. Since the diocese is permitting stricter requirements, a discussion was held with 4 of the 5 parish trustees and we agreed to wait a few weeks before changing any of our health and safety protocols.

Therefore, we are asking all who will be attending mass to continue wearing masks for a few more weeks.  We will re-assess the circumstances in a few weeks. This is how we can show our care for one another.