SWAMPSCOTT — The Catholic parishes of St. John the Evangelist in Swampscott and St. Thomas Aquinas in Nahant will reopen this weekend for in-person services, now that Gov. Charlie Baker has given the go-ahead for religious services to resume under his Phase 1 COVID-19 reopening plan.
According to the Rev. James Kelly, administrator of both parishes, Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 the churches will reopen, but “certain criteria must be met and plans formulated” to ensure worshipers’ safety during the pandemic.
“The reality is that to maintain social distancing at Mass, only about 75 attendees at each Mass can be allowed,” Kelly said.
Mass will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturdays at St. John’s and 9 a.m. at St. Thomas’ “for now,” Kelly said.
“Masks and gloves are required for all attendees,” Kelly said. “Volunteers are needed to assist with parishioner entrance and exit, social distancing, communion distribution, and diocesan disinfection requirements.”
Kelly said volunteer training took place Monday and Tuesday to prepare volunteers for a safe reopening.
For parishioners, they should expect a few changes when going to church: arrows will be on the ground to direct foot traffic, and parishioners will enter the churches through side-doors; masks are required; certain pews will be closed off; missals and hymnals will not be available; there will be no congregational singing; communion will be administered by ministers with sanitized hands into parishioners’ hands only; exiting will be by the front doors where collection baskets will be stationed; and greeters will be handing out fliers/bulletins.
Importantly, parishioners must call (781) 593-2544 to reserve a seat at Mass each week. Calling early in the week is requested as seats are limited, and parishioners must give their names, emails, and whether they are an individual or family (two to five people) when calling. Greeters will check preregistered names on a list while entering the church, and those not on the list will not be allowed in.
The parishes also ask people call if they are able to volunteer for the churches in any capacity, Kelly said, and should leave their names, phone numbers, choice of Mass, and preferred volunteer job on a voice mail.
“Without volunteers, we may not be able to schedule funerals, baptisms, or weddings. Please know that your parish has never needed you more,” Kelly said “We cannot depend on ‘the regulars,’ as many of them are in high-risk groups because of their age or health. We are depending on you. Please consider volunteering, perhaps even for just one month at a time.”
Kelly said those that are at high-risk of infection should continue to stay home, and helpful resources for local Catholics are available at www.bostoncatholic.org.
