COVID-19 Updates

May 21, 2021
Based upon direction from Bishop Zubik, the changes below will take effect beginning on Tuesday, June 1. We will continue to follow CDC and Diocesan guidelines as we continue to navigate through the pandemic.

• Each of our four parish churches will have a reserved seating section for those who desire to wear a mask while attending Mass or private prayer. 
• Holy water will again be in holy water fonts in their usual places and available for you to take home.
• Except for the section where masks will be worn, seating in all four churches will return to a pre-pandemic state.
• During Masses, there will again be an offertory procession to the altar with the gifts. In addition, collections will again be taken by passing the basket.
• We will continue to livestream the 5:00 PM Saturday evening Mass while the release from the Sunday obligation continues.

May 15, 2021
A Message from Father John Rushofsky
Late yesterday afternoon, Bishop Zubik advised the clergy of the Diocese that parishioners are not required to wear masks at Mass if they are fully vaccinated and two weeks post vaccination.

We have made arrangements at all four parish churches for seating space for anyone concerned about sitting near an unmasked parishioner. Ask a Minister of Hospitality for help and he or she will direct you to that space. All other requirements regarding social distancing will remain in the place until May 31, 2021.

Please watch for updates from our parish via Flocknote and the Bulletin as we continue our efforts to comply with CDC and Diocesan requirements.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Yours in Christ,

Father John Rushofsky
Pastor

May 12, 2021
Diocese of Pittsburgh Issues New Recommendations,
Churches to Open to Full Capacity May 31.
As you're probably aware, Bishop David Zubik announced this week that churches in the Diocese of Pittsburgh will begin opening to full capacity on Monday, May 31. At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, we will follow the Bishop's recommendations while continuing to practice masking and social distancing measures in our four parish churches for the foreseeable future. Thank you for your understanding, flexibility and cooperation.

Read the full text of the Diocesan announcement (PDF).

Advance Registration No Longer Necessary for Attending Mass.
As of Monday, April 5, 2021, it is no longer necessary to register to attend Mass. We have received permission from the Diocese of Pittsburgh to expand the seating capacities in our churches, and are glad to welcome more attendees to Masses.

Seating at Mass is On a First-Come, First-Served Basis.
For this reason, it's probably a good idea to get to church a little early. If you arrive at church and it is full, you may still listen to the Mass in your vehicle on 89.1 FM in the parking lots at St. Athanasius, St. Sebastian and St. Teresa of Avila churches. If you choose to listen to the Mass in your vehicle, at the Lamb of God, you may put on your mask and enter church to receive Holy Communion. Following Communion, it will be necessary to return to your vehicle.

Parish Religious Organizations May Again Meet in Person.
The COVID Response Team at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has determined that it is safe for parish organizations and ministries that have religious or spiritual objectives may meet in person. The caveat is that all attendees must wear masks and socially distance.

Minister of Hospitality are There to Help You.
Our parish’s Ministers of  Hospitality (MOHs) are charged with a number of important responsibilities, including:

• Greeting attendees
• Ensuring that you have your mask in place prior to entering the churches
• Seating you and your family in a way that maintains proper social distancing
• Answering parishioner questions

Churches Continue to Be Sanitized After Each Mass amd Service.
Each of our parish churches continues to be cleaned and sanitized after each Mass, service and other event. This ensures the highest level of cleanliness at all times.