3.5.

21  

The Department of Pastoral and Educational Services offers the following updated Directives to
help parishes discern how best to provide programing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
directives will continue to be reviewed as necessary.

PLEASE FOLLOW

1. Pastoral care with sensitivity must be our first and guiding principle.

2. As ministers of our parishes, it is expected that our behavior reflects for others the safety
of those entrusted to our care. It is irresponsible to allow behavior that goes contrary to
the guidance of the CDC, State and local government agencies.

3. Posting images that reflect non-compliance of guidelines provided by the CDC, State and
local government agencies is strictly prohibited. (Note: yes, this means you may not post
photos of people in close proximity without face-coverings.)

4. Parishes are accountable for providing for the health, safety and well-being of
participants. Commonly touched surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized frequently.

5. Overnight activities are prohibited until further notice.

6. All gathered events for adult faith formation, youth ministry, young adult ministry,
elementary catechesis, and for Christian Initiation must follow the guidelines by the
CDC. Take steps to limit the size of gatherings with no more than 50% capacity for
indoor events, with groups of ten or fewer of those not from the same household, and
maintain social distancing.

7. Develop options for the Sacraments of Initiation that reflect a variety of scheduling
choices for those involved. No receptions are to be held.

8. Parishes choosing to hold in person Vacation Bible School must be able to fully
comply with all the CDC, State and local health protocols and the diocesan directives. It
is advisable to design an alternative for home use, for persons who prefer that option, and
if health advisories manate a change of plans in your county.

9. Take proper steps to minimize sharing of materials and other items. If food is offered at
any event, consider individual pre-packaged options.

10. Promote healthy hygiene practices. Intensify cleaning, disinfection and ventilation for all
events. When activities are held, activity leaders must supply soap/ hand sanitizer and
enforce mandatory face-coverings, providing disposal masks for those without. Post
Ohio Department of Health or CDC signs where appropriate.
11. Offsite activities can take place at locations that are acting in accordance with all CDC,
Ohio, and local health department guidelines.

12. Transportation for offsite activities should be provided by the parents/guardians as

possible. Carpooling is unadvisable. Bussing should allow for social distancing (one
person per seat, alternating seats, exceptions for those from the same household but with
spacing around them.) Face-coverings must be worn.

13. It is important to remember that Diocesan Safe Environment policies remain in effect.
All employees and volunteers must be compliant, and follow regulations for gathered and
virtual events.

14. Advise participants not to attend any gathered event if they are exhibiting symptoms or if
they have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus within 14 days of the event.

15. Be prepared to address any violation of State, Diocesan or Parish Policies.

 
 
Helpful  Links:  
Ohio  Coronavirus  Website:    
  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/  
Current  Health  Order  (May  29,  2020,  extended):    
  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/revised-­‐business-­‐guidance-­‐sd.pdf  
ODH  Printable  Signs:  
  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-­‐19/responsible-­‐restart-­‐ohio/Posters-­‐and-­‐Signs/Posters-­‐and-­‐Signs  
CDC  Printable  Signs:  
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-­‐ncov/communication/print-­‐resources.html?Sort=Date%3A%3Adesc