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We will use this page to keep details of the changes and updates that continue to happen during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
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NOTICe:
Protect yourself from COVID-19. Please be aware that all gatherings pose a risk of infection and that all the protocols of social distancing as well as hand sanitizing are to be followed. Masks are most important during these days and should be worn on parish property. All Catholics remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass at this time. Please take all the necessary steps to protect yourself and others.
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Mass at St. Gabriel during COVID
Those who are presenting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus in the past week should not attend Mass.
- We livestream ALL of our Masses including daily Mass. You can pray along from our website or Facebook page
- Participants MUST wear facial coverings when entering buildings
- You should remove the face covering when receiving communion.
- We encourage you to bring your own hand sanitizer to use before receiving communion.
- Social distancing of 6 feet must be maintained throughout the Mass.
- Every other pew is marked as “no seating” and everyone must sit six feet apart except those living in the same household.
- You are encouraged to move to the middle of the row to allow others to sit down without squeezing past.
- You will not need to RSVP for Mass. We will have overflow space in the Community Center if we reach our capacity.
- Liturgy will not include handshaking at the Sign of Peace, the Chalice at Communion, or holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer.
- Communion is available outside the front doors for those uncomfortable with entering the building (All Masses)
- Please be prepared to be under the covered walkways next to the front doors during communion.
- We encourage you to pray along with the community on the Livestream if possible.
- A minister of Communion will come outside to distribute communion.
- Please be prepared to be under the covered walkways next to the front doors during communion.
- The church building will be cleaned and disinfected after each Mass. We ask that you exit the building quickly after Mass so we can disinfect all the spaces.
- All Catholics of the Diocese of Dallas remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass “on Sundays and other holy days of Obligation” (canon 1247).
This Decree remains in effect until modified or revoked. We will keep you all informed of changes and opportunities at St Gabriel.
Bishop Burns of the Dallas Diocese has allowed Phase 3 of Reopening to begin June 27/28, 2020. This includes public weekend Mass at 50% capacity.
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Latest Updates:
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Ministry leaders have been asking whether it was acceptable to coordinate/guide individuals participants to bring their own food and BYOB to events for the purpose of a communal meal. The original COVID guidelines by the parish indicated individuals could bring their own food for personal consumption. However, this was included in the guidelines to allow space for individuals with special circumstances that would sustain the normal bodily needs of an individual. (Ex: a person with blood-sugar issues may need to snack, a person running late could finish their dinner, a thirsty person could drink water, etc.). It was not meant to mean ministry coordination of individuals to bring their own food/drink to the event. At this stage of the pandemic, wearing a mask continues to be the best way to reduce the spread of the virus. Therefore, ministries are not to encourage communal meal-sharing of all participants at events on-site, even when they bring their own food. The clause about bringing food for individual use was removed from the guidelines to reduce confusion.
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Updated Oct 5, 2020:
All ministries (not just formation, prayer, & worship) able eligible to schedule in-person ministry gatherings on the St. Gabriel campus….a) IF there is sufficient space (Priority goes to worship, prayer, and formational gatherings, followed by order of request.) AND
b) IF the gathering can follow the Expectations for Leading Ministry Gatherings on St. Gabriel Campus during Pandemic (For Ministry Leaders) (also attached). These expectations may still limit some types of ministry gatherings on campus
Prior to promoting a gathering, ministry leaders should…- Review the Expectations for Leading Ministry Gatherings on St. Gabriel Campus during Pandemic (For Ministry Leaders) (attached). Consider the application of the expectation to your ministries gathering and use discretion as to whether your ministry can/should continue to meet in alternate ways. Create a plan to be able to follow all expectations.
- When for planning gatherings with Children & Youth: Contact the following staff members prior to scheduling space on campus to discuss gathering plans. Final approval is necessary prior to scheduling.
- Children Ages 0 to Grade 5: Page Sanders psanders@stgabriel.org 972-542-7170 x228
- Youth Grades 6 thru 12: Lori Miller lmiller@stgabriel.org 972-542-7170x226
- Schedule ministry gathering meeting space with Pam Criss. The calendar will be updated, and facilities notified. Prepare to affirm the ministry gathering can meet the expectations.
- Promote your gathering as normal, but also send attendees this Participant Handout (attached).
This plan is our effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, balanced with the spiritual needs of our parishioners. We understand the exact needs and circumstances of a ministry are best known by each ministry leader. Please contact Matt Decker for questions/consultation about the application of these expectations or submit a special exception request. We continue to monitor/ navigate the challenges of these unprecedented times and have great hope for the day when these COVID restrictions can be removed. Continue steadfastly in prayer. Thanks for your dedication to the ministry here at St. Gabriel and thanks for your patience.
Updated: 10/5/2020
For Ministry Participants: Participant Handout For Ministry Leaders: Expectations for Leading Ministry Gatherings
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Details regarding Liturgy at St Gabriel:
Those who are presenting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus in the past week should not attend Mass . [see a list of symptoms here] Members of vulnerable populations are strongly encouraged to not attend Mass at this time.
- All regularly scheduled Masses will resume: 5pm (Saturday), 9am, 11am, 5:30pm (Sunday)
- The 5pm Mass will continue to be livestreamed to our website and facebook page and available all day on Sunday
- All doors will be propped open before and after Mass
- Participants must wear facial coverings when entering the building (per the McKinney order July 1)
- You should remove the face covering when receiving communion.
- We encourage you to bring your own hand sanitizer to use before receiving communion
- Social distancing of 6 feet must be maintained throughout the Mass.
- Every other pew is marked as “no seating” and everyone must sit six feet apart except those living in the same household.
- You are encouraged to move to the middle of the row to allow others sit down without squeezing past.
- You will not need to RSVP for Mass. We will have overflow space in the Community Center if we reach our capacity in the Worship Space.
- Liturgy will not include hand shaking at the Sign of Peace, the Chalice at Communion, or holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer (unless in the same household).
- Communion is available outside the front doors for those uncomfortable with entering the building
- Please be prepared to be under the covered walkways next to the front doors 40 minutes into Mass.
- A minister of Communion will come outside to distribute communion.
- Communicants should receive in the hand. This is a charity to your neighbor, the Priest and the Minister of Holy Communion
- The church building will be cleaned and disinfected after each Mass. We ask that you exit the building quickly after Mass so we can disinfect all the spaces.
All Catholics of the Diocese of Dallas remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass “on Sundays and other holy days of Obligation” (canon 1247).
This Decree remains in effect until modified or revoked. We will keep you all informed of changes and opportunities at St Gabriel.
Bishop Burns of the Dallas Diocese has allowed Phase 3 of Reopening to begin June 27/28, 2020. This includes public weekend Mass at 50% capacity.
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