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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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MAY 2021 COVID GUIDANCE RECAP
This document is a compilation of the guidance from the COVID Guidance Newsletters. Each item is dated to make clear when the guidance was issued. 

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ARCHDIOCESAN
​DOCUMENTS

COVID - 19 Guidance Update 
​​UPDATED 6-16-21

Parish Reopening Guidelines 
​UPDATED 3-9-21

Catholic Schools for Fall 2020

Control Mitigation & Exposure Checklist (Ministries) 
​UPDATED 1-24-21

Control Mitigation & Exposure Checklist (Mass) 
UPDATED 1-24-21

Online Policies for Youth Ministry

Phase 1-3:  Chart-Parish Communication 

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WASHINGTON STATE DOCUMENTS

Washington State Department of Health:
​K - 12 Schools 2020 - 2021 Guidance

 Phase and Risk Management Website

Phases 1 - 3:  Religious and Faith-Based Organization Requirements

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BEST PRACTICES
​WORKING WITH YOUTH

Safe Environment Program

Online Group Meeting Protocols

Online Youth Ministry Webpage

Archdiocese of Seattle Office of Catholic Schools

Registration Form for Faith Formation
​Programs with Children (coming soon)

Health Advisory- Suicide Prevention Resources from King County

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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.

• GUIDELINES
  • Consult with the Pastor or Pastoral Coordinator before starting your programs.
  • Refer to:
    1. The Parish Resources webpage - UPDATED 3-9-21
    2. Follow the COVID - 19 Task Force guidelines to provide a safe environment
    3. The COVID - 19 phases for reopening ministries - UPDATED 1-24-21
    4. 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.

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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
​Engage your pastor in planning for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. ​​ Select a digital program (See recommended list by the archdiocese). Most of the programs in this list provide digital and print textbooks, materials and interactive multimedia. ​ Determine method of teaching classes: Catechists teaching remote lessons, or Parents teaching lessons at home (Most programs recommended offer parent guides). Virtual and online learning has become part of faith formation; therefore, choose a platform such as Zoom to connect with participants and offer your classes.( If you need training for your catechists on Zoom, you can request it through our office.) Recruit and Train Catechists/volunteers on the use of the programs, COVID-19 safety plan for your parish and online policies in working with minors.  Determine dates, frequency, and length of each class or determine if the parents can build a flexible program. Create a registration page for students. Schedule a virtual orientation with catechists/volunteers and parents. Parents with multiple children and busy schedules can develop their own schedule in coordination with catechist. Keep the family connected to Sunday Mass. Invite pastor/priest to bless the program and welcome participants (can be a prerecorded video). ​	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. ​ Engage your pastor in planning for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. This model will require a more in-depth planning to determine: How to start the program online. How to transition to in-person classes. If there are no space restrictions based on the COVID-19 guidelines If catechists, volunteers and families feel safe with an in-person class. Once you have determined these items follow the same principles stipulated on the Full Remote and In-person guidelines. Keep the family connected to Sunday Mass. Provide a contact in the event there is an exposure or case. ​ ​ ​	​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. ​ Review the Governor’s guidelines for spiritual faith-based organizations which allow for 25% capacity in phase 2 and 50% capacity in phase 3 on church rooms. Review the Ministries Control Mitigation and Exposure Checklist and submit your plan to the archdiocese Task Force for approval. If you share space with a Catholic School, make sure you meet with them and work on a compatible plan. Work with the parish staff to reserve rooms of the facility. Schedule of classes may not be reduced if space is not available. Recruit and train catechists/volunteers on the use of the programs, COVID-19 safety plan for your parish for total adherence to the protocols in place. Highlight the following aspects:  System for drop off and pick up of children/youth. Number of people gathering. General facility cleaning and sanitizing. Use of restrooms. Determine day, time and length for class. Use of space and social distancing protocols (for indoor and outdoor activities. Number of people gathering Provide a contact in the event there is an exposure or case. ​ ​ ​

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. Retreats components suggested: A video component or virtual class. A reflection. A reflection journal (for Confirmation). ​	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
Engage your pastor in planning for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. You can take this opportunity to offer a RCIA program as TeamRCIA suggests. If you decide to continue with online classes, the archdiocese recommends the Symbolon Series by the Augustine Institute included in the FORMED subscription (www.formed.org). Recruit and train catechists/volunteers on the use of the programs, COVID safety plan for your parish. Determine dates, frequency, and length of each class. Schedule can be flexible. Create a registration form for students. Schedule a virtual orientation with catechists/volunteers and parents. Coordinate with the Liturgy Office for the Rite of Election schedule. ​	Parishes on this level should begin programs remotely and move to in-person classes. ​Engage your pastor in planning for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. This model will require a more in-depth planning to determine: How to start the program online. How to transition to in-person classes. If there are no space restrictions based on COVID - 19 guidelines. If catechists, volunteers, families feel safe with an in-person class. Once you have determined these items, follow the same principles stipulated on the Full Remote and In-Person guidelines.  Keep the family connected to Sunday Mass. Provide a contact in the event there is an exposure or case. ​	Engage your pastor in planning for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Review the Governor's guidelines for spiritual faith-based organizations which allow for 25% capacity in phase 2 and 50% capacity in phase 3 in church rooms. Review the Ministries Control Mitigation and Exposure Checklist and submit your plan to the archdiocese Task Force for approval. For recommendations about programs, visit our RCIA page. ​ ​ ​