COVID-19 Health and Safety Policy
Health and Safety Protections for Employees and Guests 

• Communication on proper cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette will be sent to all employees. 

• Guests and employees will do a self-screening upon entering any of the parish facilities. To enter the facilities employees and guest should: 

  • Ensure they do not have a temperature more than 100* F.  A touchless thermometer will be provided for temperature check. 

  • Are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19. 

  • Ensure they do not have any risk factors of COVID-19. 

• All guests, employees, and contractors must use the front entrance to any facility. 

• Guests and employees must sanitize their hands upon entering the building 

• Employees who have a diagnosis of COVID-19 should not be allowed to work until all three of the following criteria are met:

  • At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since the last temperature of 100 without the aid of a fever reducer

  • The individual has improvement in respiratory symptoms.

  • At least 7 days have passed since the initial onset of symptoms.

  • If an employee tests positive and is asymptomatic they should provide a doctor’s note or documentation that they have tested negative for COVID-19.  Upon testing negative they should provide the proper documentation to the pastor, and may return to work as scheduled. 

• Employees who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 but have not been evaluated by a medical professional are presumed to have COVID-19 and should not be allowed to work until the above three criteria are met.  

• An employee who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 related and wants to return to work before completing the above criteria, must obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis. 

• Employees who have direct contact with a person known to have COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 14 days from exposure. If at the end of that period no symptoms develop, then the employee may return to work. 

• Employees who have had secondary exposure to an individual known to have COVID-19 (meaning contact with someone who had direct contact with a person known to have COVID-19), should wear a mask at all times within the building for 14 days. 

• Employees who have an elevated temperature or answer positively to the self-screening criteria, will be instructed to: 

  • Return home and not enter the facilities;

  • Contact their primary care physician;

  • Contact Pastor or Parish COVID Response coordinator for further instructions from the Archdiocese of San Antonio Risk Office. 

• Guests who have an elevated temperature or answer positively to the health screening questions, will be instructed to: 

  • Return home and not enter the building; 

  • Not return to the building until:

    • At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since the last temperature of  100 without the aid of a fever reducer

    • The individual has improvement in respiratory symptoms

    • At least 7 days have passed since the initial onset of symptoms 

• Employees, and contractors should wear masks or other face coverings while in common areas (restrooms, hallways, breakroom, etc.), and while meeting with other employees, guests or contractors.

• Employees and contractors do not have to wear face coverings in private offices or at their work stations if social distancing can be maintained. 

• Guests must wear a mask or other face covering at all times when in the building.
   

Health Protocols for Our Facilities: 

• Facilities should regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touch surfaces, if possible. 

• The reception area of the office, foyer of the church, restrooms, pens, counter, and any regularly touched area should be sprayed with the provided disinfected frequently. 

• Should an employee test positive for COVID-19, the employee’s office/ workstation and the immediate surrounding area will be cleaned and sanitized.  

  • Anyone providing sanitization should wear a mask and gloves while sanitizing. 

• The parish will provide sanitizing spray for all employee work stations, common areas, chapel and church so that employees, guests and volunteers can clean their workstations as much as they would like. 

• Hand sanitizer will continue to be made available in multiple stations around the parish grounds. 

Additional Protections Recommended:
In addition to the above, it is recommend that we: 

• Continue to limit in person meetings, whether on or off campus, and whether with guests or other employees, to a minimum. It is preferable to have as many meetings as possible by teleconference or web conference. 

• Attendance at necessary in-person meetings should be kept as low as possible, and social distancing should be maintained.  

  • Guideline numbers for the facilities based on a 50% capacity is as follows: 

    • Main Sanctuary: 400 persons  

      • Please note: this number may not be possible based on social distancing

    • Day Chapel: 25 persons

    • O'brien Hall: 250 persons

    • Flanagan Hall: 75 persons 

    • Pruski Hall: 50 persons

  • Please note these guidelines are the occupancy numbers, however we must ensure social distancing may be practiced in all buildings and a mask must be worn at all times. 

  • Occupancy guidelines are subject to change based on local and state government guidelines at any time. 

• Employees should limit socializing amongst themselves. 

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: 

If our parish has a 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: 

• The infected individual should notify the Pastor or COVID Response Coordinator so they can ensure to follow the protocol of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. 

• If the infected individual is still present, ask them to leave immediately, and not return until the conditions set forth by the CDC and State of Texas are met:

  •  At least 72 hours since last temperature above 100 degree

  •  Respiratory symptoms have improved

  • At least seven days have passed since the initial onset of symptoms 

• Ask any individuals that had direct contact—meaning they have been in close proximity or in confined spaces—with the infected individual to go home and not return for 14 days. A negative test does not mean they can return early. 

• Individuals with indirect or secondary contact with the infected individual should wear a mask at all times while in the facility for 14 days. 

• Close the immediate area where the infected individual has been. 

• Clean and sanitize the identified areas.  

• Follow the CDC Guidelines for Cleaning and Sanitation: 

• Wait 24 hours or, if not feasible, as long as possible. This allows any airborne viruses to settle 

• If possible, open a window to increase air flow while cleaning 

• Wear any PPE required for the chemicals you are using: consult the bottle, 

• Material Safety Data Sheets, or the manufacturer’s website 

• Clean surfaces of dirt and debris prior to disinfecting 

• Spray with the disinfectant (many cleaning chemicals both clean and disinfect) 

• Allow the disinfectant to sit for at least 30 seconds and then wipe dry 

• Reopen the area and resume normal operations. 

COVID-19 Public Mass Safety Plan (Phase 2)
Effective July 1, 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: 

All facilities may increase to a 50% occupancy level.   Occupancy guidelines per building maybe found in the St. Jerome COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy. Social distancing 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: 9:00 AM (ALSO LIVE STREAMED) 

All liturgical celebrations will take place in the main sanctuary. Other requirements are below. 

All attendees must wear a mask. 

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Liturgical Ministry Requirements

Deacons: 

• Deacon Ed to serve at the 5:00 PM & 8:00 AM Mass 

• Deacon Conrad to serve at the 9:30 AM & 11 AM 

• Rudy Sanchez may serve at the mass of his choice.  

• Deacons must maintain a six-foot radius distance from the presider and other ministers and floor will be marked. 

Altar Servers: 

• One older altar server may be assigned per mass to serve if needed if no deacon is present for the mass. The altar server coordinator will communicate needs to the server’s parents. Serving will be very limited. 

Sacristans: 

• Sacristans will be assigned for one mass only throughout the weekend until we enter Phase 2 of reopening. 

• Sacristans will be those who are lower risk. 

  • 5:00 PM - Gary Thompson 

  • 8:00 AM - Gayle Haese 

  • 9:30 AM - José Trevino/Rudy Sanchez 

  • 11:00 AM - Jessica Lubianski 

  • Weekday: Jessica Lubianski

  • Funerals/special events: Jessica Lubianski/Art Grams 

• There will be two celebrant chalices per mass when there is a Deacon present.   

• The gifts will already be placed on the altar. After purification the deacon or acolyte will take the items directly to the back sacristy.
   

Ushers: 

• Ushers will be limited to six per mass or less.  Duties will include:

  • Providing each individual entering the parish with hand sanitizer.

  • Ensuring all attendees are wearing a mask. 

  • Ensuring we do not have over 400 attendees including all priests and liturgical ministers.

  • Ensure social distancing is being maintained. 

  • Offertory basket(s) will be placed at every aisle for people to drop in their offering.  Parishioners and guests are also encouraged to use our new text to give feature.  This can be done by texting, “Give” to (830) 215-8799.  The ushers will be responsible for monitoring and collecting baskets.

  • Ushers will seat all attendees.  

  • Ushers will be responsible for monitoring communion lines for social distance compliance. Designated markers will be placed on the carpet. 

  • Missal’s will be available in the church foyer.  We ask that you only take one per family and if you take one to please bring it back to mass with you. 

  • Holy water fonts will not be filled until further notice. 

  • Entrance into the foyer doors of parish to be left open until mass is full.   Entrance and exit signs will be provided to direct the flow of traffic. 

  • The ushers will assist in sanitization of the parish after each mass. All ushers must wear a mask and gloves when sanitizing. 

  • Ushers will assist with dismissal. 

Music Ministry

• Music ministry members will alternate participation in the choir.  Choir leaders for each mass are as follows:

  • Leaders are as follows: 

    • 5:00 PM: Jeanette Morisette 

    • 8:00 AM: Blake Zigmond 

    • 9:30 AM: Felix Trevino 

    • 11:00 AM: Neala Montague

• If a choir member would like to volunteer for a particular mass please reach out to the designated leader directly, however this does not guarantee participation in the mass. 

• The choir area will be arranged for social distancing.  The choir area should not be rearranged from designated design.  

• No individual microphones may be used by the choir to avoid the spread of germs and to help limit the number of areas sanitation is needed. Overhead microphones and set condenser mics will be already set up and available for each choir.  The cantor may use commentator mic during the appropriate times.  Space will be limited five choir members total (Maximum of 2 instruments).  The pianist/designated musician will coordinate the music selections for the Mass rehearsals and direct the music during the mass. They should ensure that all vocalists are being rotated to ensure every choir member has a chance to participate during phase 1. 

• Music leaders will receive directives regarding music selections and appropriate times for music at each mass. 

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 

• There will be no Eucharistic Ministers utilized during phase 2. Communion will be distributed by priest or deacon.  

• Communion will be distributed by the priest and deacon as they walk through the pews. 

Lectors/Commentator 

• One lector should be assigned per mass per weekend.  The lector will also act as the commentator prior to mass beginning. 

• We will use a recorded version of the rosary prior to each mass. 

Adoration 

The blessed sacrament will be exposed after the 9:00 AM Live Stream mass and will remain open 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. 

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 sanitize their area before leaving the chapel.  We ask that only 10 people attend at one time. 

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 requirements will be the same as a Sunday Mass.    2 Ushers will be assigned per evening. 

Other Requirements: 

• Body of Christ Only

• No receiving on tongue (until diocese grants permission) 

• No Sign of Peace 

• No holding hands during Our Father 

• No lingering in the foyer

• No gloved hands to receive Body of Christ

• Only family restrooms will be available for use.   The door to the other restrooms and cry room will be locked during phase 2.  All parishioners are encouraged to go to the restroom before coming to mass. 

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: 

• The Archdiocese of San Antonio has issued a dispensation for masses until further notice for those that are most vulnerable and high risk.   If you fall in this category and would like to be placed on a list to receive communion, please contact the parish office. 

• Communion will be delivered after the 8:00 AM Sunday mass. 

• All ministers would attend the 8:00 AM mass and distribute to their designated assignments after mass. 

• All ministers must watch a training video and will be provided a packet. 

• If parishioners would like to receive communion they may request online or through the parish office. 

• First Friday Home Visits will continue to take place. 

Anointing of the Sick: 

• The administering of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will only be done by appointment only.  Please schedule through the parish office.   

Ministry Meetings and Activities 

• Parishes are encouraged to continue having ministry meetings remotely (tele or web conference) whenever possible.
   

• If an in-person ministry meeting is required then parishes must:

  • Request permission from the pastor to meet

  • Limit groups attendance to 10 people

  • Ensure that attendees are seated at least 6 feet away from each other

  • Ensure that employees, volunteers, and attendees wear masks or face coverings

  • Provide hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol at the entrance to the room

  • Have employees, volunteers, and attendees sanitize their hands upon entry to the room 

  • Clean and sanitize meeting rooms after every meeting 

• Food Service Ministries: In addition to standard food safety practices and regulations, parishes who wish to resume food service ministries shall: 

  • Ensure that all food preparers or distributers wear masks, gloves

  •  Food should be served in individual covered containers/wrappers

  • Design your pick-up process in such a way as to limit contact between employees/volunteers and the guests they are serving.
     

• Overnight Camps & Retreats: Are not allowed at this time.
   

• Religious Education: Due to the uncertainty and fluidity of the situation, it is difficult to issue guidelines at this time. We don’t know what the situation will be in August/September. At this time, we have developed multiple plans.  A brief summary of the plans are as follows: 

  • Plan A - Resume scheduled religious education classes and have students report directly to their classes following new health and safety procedures.

  • Plan B - Offer multiple religious education times that families may sign up for with smaller class sizes of 8 students to 1 teacher. 

  • Plan C - At Home Family Catechesis for non-sacramental prep, and teleconference classes for sacramental prep.
     

• Vacation Bible School: has been cancelled.   We will offer a virtual VBS and will open registration for packets in July 2020.
   

• Baptismal Prep: Baptismal prep and baptisms have resumed.   Classes may be held in small numbers.  Please contact Dn. Conrad Urteaga did more information regarding baptisms.
   

• Marriage Prep: Marriage prep classes may be resumed.   Classes may be held in small numbers at the parish or via virtual conference.  

• Sports Facilities: All youth sport competitions or practices are allowed. Parishes must ensure that general social distancing can be maintained and must follow the Minimum Standard Health Protocols as set forth in the Governor’s Executive Order(s) in effect at the time of the competition or practice:  Youth Sports: https://open.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/OpenTexas- Checklist-Youth-Sports-Operators.pdf

Hall Rentals 

Parishes are allowed to rent their halls. Attendance must be limited to 50% of the building’s occupancy. 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.

Parking Lot

• We will assign designated parking areas per mass. Parking assignments will be as follows: 

  • 5:00 PM Mass - Park in lot by prayer garden and handicap parking lot

  • 8:00 AM Mass - Park in lot by prayer garden and handicap parking lot

  • 9:30 AM Mass - Park in lot by the sports complex

  • 11:00 AM Mass - Park in lot by prayer garden and handicap parking lot

Parish Office 

• The parish office will be closed to the public.   The parish staff will be working in the office from 9:00 AM - 4:00 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 of email. 

During this most difficult time we ask you to think of what you can do for others, and invite you to pray: