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The Faith Formation and Youth Ministry teams have developed guidance to ensure we can continue with our mission of teaching the faith while keeping everyone safe and healthy. Please review this letter, which provides guiding principles to support your efforts in reopening your programs safely.
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ARCHDIOCESANParish Reopening Guidelines
UPDATED 2-2-21 Control Mitigation & Exposure Checklist (Ministries)
UPDATED 1-24-21 Control Mitigation & Exposure Checklist (Mass)
UPDATED 1-24-21 Vertical Divider
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WASHINGTON STATE DOCUMENTSVertical Divider
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BEST PRACTICES |
ADULT FAITH FORMATION & SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION MODELS
It is recommended that all Sacramental preparation is provided in person and the parish use a large facility, such as a social hall, gym, or the church building following the Governor’s guidelines for spiritual faith-based organizations which allow for 25% capacity in phase 2 and 50% capacity in phase 3 counties.
RCIA can follow a hybrid model for a combination of online and in person sessions. Please review the online resource page for RCIA materials and more information.
RCIA can follow a hybrid model for a combination of online and in person sessions. Please review the online resource page for RCIA materials and more information.
- GUIDELINES
- Consult with the Pastor or Pastoral Coordinator before starting your programs.
- Refer to:
- The Parish Resources webpage - UPDATED 2-2-21
- Follow the COVID - 19 Task Force guidelines to provide a safe environment
- The COVID - 19 phases for reopening ministries - UPDATED 1-24-21
- The Religious and Faith-based Organization COVID - 19 Requirements UPDATED 1-11-21
- Review the Ministries Control Mitigation and Exposure Checklists - UPDATED 1-24-21
- Recruit and train catechists/volunteers on the use of the programs, COVID safety plan for your parish for total adherence to the protocols in place. Highlight the following aspects:
- Number of people gathering.
- Use of space and social distancing protocols (for indoor and outdoor activities).
- Determine day, time and length of class (length has been extended from 1 hour to 2-3 hours).
- Use of restrooms.
- General facility cleaning and sanitizing.
- Provide a contact in the event there is an exposure or case.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Keep attendance records for contact tracing for all gathered events.
GOVERNOR'S RISK MODEL CHART
ARCHDIOCESE OF SEATTLE PASTORAL ASSISTANT OF FAITH FORMATION COMMUNICATION RESOURCE
K-12 FORMATION PROGRAMS
HIGH RISK COUNTIES > 75 cases per 100,000 over 14 days |
MODERATE RISK COUNTIES > 25-75 cases per 100,000 over 14 days |
LOW RISK COUNTIES < 25 cases per 100,00 over 14 days |
FULL REMOTE |
HYBRID (REMOTE & IN PERSON) |
IN PERSON |
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This range should begin in remote and move to hybrid and/or in-person. If you share space with a Catholic School, make sure you meet with them and work on a compatible plan.
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If your parish and school are in a low risk county you can start your program following the capacity stipulated on your county for public gatherings.
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SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
HIGH RISK COUNTIES > 75 cases per 100,000 over 14 days |
MODERATE RISK COUNTIES > 25-75 cases per 100,000 over 14 days |
LOW RISK COUNTIES < 25 cases per 100,00 over 14 days |
FULL REMOTE |
HYBRID (REMOTE & IN PERSON) |
IN PERSON |
It is recommended that sacramental preparation occurs in person in a large room of the facility. Sacramental preparation may be postponed until the county is in a lower risk level or a hybrid method can be used. |
Same recommendations as above. Retreats for Confirmation and First Holy Communion can be offered virtually. This is not ideal, but safety of children is a priority.
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Same recommendations as above. |
RCIA AND ADULT FAITH FORMATION
HIGH RISK COUNTIES > 75 cases per 100,000 over 14 days |
MODERATE RISK COUNTIES > 25-75 cases per 100,000 over 14 days |
LOW RISK COUNTIES < 25 cases per 100,00 over 14 days |
FULL REMOTE |
HYBRID (REMOTE & IN PERSON) |
IN PERSON |
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Parishes on this level should begin programs remotely and move to in-person classes.
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