If you can sew, we have a few parishioners and are willing to make mask for mass please contact
Jessica Lubianski (210) 400-5683.
Thank you!
COVID-19 Health and Safety Policy
Health and Safety Protections for Employees and Guests
Health Protocols for Our Facilities:
Additional Protections Recommended
In addition to the above, it is recommend that we:
Employees should maintain their work surfaces in such a way that allows the cleaning crew to wipe it down when cleaning.
COVID-19 Positive Response:
Should an individual who has been on the premises of the parish test positive case of COVID-19, it is important for us to take measured steps to ensure the safety of our employees, volunteers and those we serve. Action steps will be as follows:
COVID-19 Public Mass Safety Plan (Phase 3)
Effective September 8, 2020
Please note this comprehensive safety plan is to ensure our parish is taking the proper health precautions and following diocesan regulations upon reopening. Below you will find information and requirements for our parish:
Occupancy guidelines per building may be found in the St. Jerome COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy. Social distancing and the use of proper face coverings is essential in all buildings.
Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:00 PM
Sunday Mass - 8:00 AM, (LIVE STREAMED) 9:30 AM (SPANISH), 11:00 AM
Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 AM (ALSO LIVE STREAMED)
All liturgical celebrations will take place in the main sanctuary. Other requirements are below.
All attendees must wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.
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Liturgical Ministry Requirements
Deacons:
Altar Servers:
Sacristans:
Ushers:
Music Ministry
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Lectors/Commentator
Adoration
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed after the 8:00 AM Live Stream Mass on Wednesdays and will remain in the day chapel throughout the day following social distancing guidelines. Parishioners may visit the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day. Sanitizer and sanitizing spray will be left in the day chapel. Masks must be worn if there are other parishioners from different households in the chapel. Benediction will take place at 7:00PM.
If you are currently scheduled for a particular hour of Adoration and are vulnerable or at risk and unable to fulfill your hour of Adoration please notify the office so we can ensure someone is present at all times with the Blessed Sacrament.
All parishioners are asked to please use the hand sanitizer upon entering the chapel and sanitize their area before leaving the chapel. We ask that only 16 people attend at one time.
On the first Wednesday of the month Adoration will be extended. At 7:00 PM the Blessed Sacrament will be processed into the main sanctuary and we will have a reflection, with praise and worship music. Benediction will take place at 8:00 PM. Music and reflection will be coordinated through the parish office.
Social distancing and mask requirements will be the same as a Sunday Mass.
2 Ushers will be assigned per evening.
Other Requirements:
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available by appointment through the parish office or at 4:00 PM on Saturday. Please use social distancing and sit in designated area of confessional during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All appointments made through the parish office for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will meet the priest in prayer garden for scheduled appointment time.
Administering communion to the homebound/vulnerable individuals/health risks:
Anointing of the Sick:
Ministry Meetings and Activities
Hall Rentals
Parishes are allowed to rent their halls. Attendance must be limited to 250 people. Parishes must ensure that general social distancing can be maintained and must follow the Minimum Standard Health Protocols for Wedding Reception Venues set forth by Governor Abbott: https://open.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/OpenTexas-Checklist-Wedding- Reception-Venues.pdf.
All parties that rent the hall must sign the Precautionary Coronavirus Liability Release Form found in Appendix C.
Parish Office
The parish office will remain closed to the public. The parish staff will be working in the office from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, and will be unavailable for the noon lunch hour. All employees must ensure all protocols and procedures in the Health & Safety Policy are followed. If you need assistance please contact the parish staff by phone or email.
Appendix A – Religious Education Guidelines and Protocols for All Ages.
The following procedures will assist our parish to serve children, teens, families, adults and volunteers at parishes on-site and off-site throughout the 2020-2021 Catechetical Year. If any person has discerned that he or she is unable to participate in the celebration of Mass for health reasons, then they are also unable to participate in on-site parish ministry.
Religious Education Schedule
Hybrid Religious Education Model
Parents will have the option to choose in person or at home studies based on their individual family’s needs.
Arrival & Dismissal
The following procedures will be followed for arriving and dismissal at Faith Formation Classes.
Prior to Engaging in Religious Education or Youth Ministry Events
During Religious Education, Youth Ministry Events, or Parish Ministry Events
Face Coverings/Masks
Necessary Sanitation
After Ministry Events
Catechist and ministry volunteers will be responsible for sanitizing their classrooms and halls at the end of each class. Supplies such as sanitizing spray, gloves and masks will be provided.
Feedback/Adjustments
These recommendations will be reviewed and revised as necessary on a regular basis to adapt to changing conditions. Recommendations may be relaxed or increased based on the recommendations of federal, state, and local health departments.
Reporting
Should anyone test positive for COVID-19 or Flu within 14 days of being on our parish grounds, please notify our COVID Response Coordinator as there are specific mandates and reports that are required as per the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
APPENDIX B - PROVISIONS FOR INFORMED CONSENT FOR MINOR PARTICIPATION VIA TELECOMMUTING/ VIRTUAL CONFERENCES (COVID-19)
This Informed Consent for minor participation via telecommuting contains important provisions for using the phone or the internet during the period of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Please read this carefully, and let your religious education directors/coordinators or youth ministers know if you have any questions.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct enacted by the Archdiocese of San Antonio, all ministry with minors via telecommuting will occur with two qualified adults in the sessions at all times.
For purposes herein, telecommuting refers to participating in religious education classes, youth groups, or other meetings remotely using telecommunications technologies, such as video conferencing or telephone.
Risks to confidentiality. Because telecommuting takes place outside of the normal gathering places on parish grounds, there is potential for other people to access these conversations or stored data could be accessed by unauthorized people or companies.
You are solely responsible for obtaining any necessary equipment, accessories, or software for your child to participate in telecommuting, as well as for ensuring the security of such equipment, accessories or software for your child’s participation.
Recording. The telecommuting sessions shall be recorded by the religious education coordinators/youth ministers solely for auditing purposes and such recordings may not be published in any form, including any social media forums and will not be recorded on personal devices.
Parent/Legal Guardian Informed Consent
This agreement is intended as a supplement to the registration forms for in-person ministry with minors and does not amend any of the terms of that agreement. Your signature below indicates agreement with its terms and conditions.
I agree to allow my child, ___________________________________, who is age ________________, and in the _________________ grade to participate in religious education/youth group participation via telecommuting with religious education/ youth group qualified adults at St. Jerome Catholic Church for the 2020-2021 catechetical year. I understand that sacraments will not be given virtually and there will be events when it is necessary to attend in person.
Should I choose to have my child stop attending virtually and move to in person catechesis I will provide a written request 10 days prior to the change, and also understand that my child’s catechist may change.
APPENDIX B – PARTICIPATION DISCLOSURE
St. Jerome Catholic Church is dedicated to preventing the transmission of COVID-19. We are following CDC guidelines for sanitation, social distancing and face coverings. Even with these precautions, infections are still possible and may result in serious illness or even death. If you have concerns about your child’s safety or your child or someone in your household is in a vulnerable population, you may opt to have your child participate in religious education/youth group on-line or by correspondence. If you have questions about whether your child or a family member are in a vulnerable population, please visit the CDC website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/other-at-risk- populations.html
Appendix C - Precautionary Coronavirus Liability Release Form
Due to the 2019-2020 outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions regarding use of our facilities, renting our facilities, and attending services at our parish, as well as sanitation and disinfecting practices. Please complete the following and sign below to acknowledge and release St. Jerome Catholic Church of any and all liabilities for the unintentional exposure or harm due to COVID-19.
Main Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever Fatigue
- Dry Cough
- Difficulty Breathing
I/We, ___________________________________________________ agree to the following:
By signing below, I agree to each above statement and release St. Jerome Catholic Church from any and all liability for the unintentional exposure or harm due to COVID-19.
Your event attendees will need to agree and abide by these same standards and affirm the same. We also affirm that we have improved and expanded our sanitation protocols to more thoroughly fight the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable conditions.
Appendix C - Health & Safety Procedures for Facilities Rentals
The following guidelines must be adhered to when renting any of the Facilities at St. Jerome Catholic Church:
If you would like sanitizer or sanitizing spray to be provided for your event it is available for a fee of $30 payable to St. Jerome Catholic Church.
Guidelines for Ushers at Weddings
The ushers in your wedding party play a vital role in the safety of your guests on your wedding day. Ushers in your wedding party will be responsible for:
During this most difficult time we ask you to think of what you can do for others, and invite you to pray:
Our Lady of Guadalupe, in these times of tribulation we turn to you O Mother.
See with compassion the suffering of your beloved daughters and sons
affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic throughout the entire world.
Ask your Son to have mercy on us bringing healing to those infected and protection to all your children.
Jesus, Christ, savior of all people, grant us courage to accompany and pray
for the entire world in the wake of sorrow and uncertainty.
We seek refuge in you and according to your promise, deliver us from this danger.
Amen.