To continue on to Catholic resources on this site, visit the HOME page or select topics ​from the menu above.
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.
Vertical Divider
On Sunday, November 15, 2020 Governor Inslee issued new guidance that you can read here.  
​Below you’ll find the key sections that pertain to parish life:

  • “Religious Services are limited to 25 percent of indoor occupancy limits, or no more than 200 people, whichever is fewer.”
    This means that all of our parishes in Phase 3 will need to drop back down to 25% capacity, but for many parishes in Phase 2, there is no change.

  • “Congregation members/attendees must wear facial coverings at all times.”
    We continue to reiterate the importance of face coverings because they help slow the spread of virus in the air, keep us from touching our mouth and nose and keep surfaces cleaner. Here is the link to the new facial covering poster. 

  • “Congregation singing is prohibited. No choir, band, or ensemble shall perform during the service. Vocal or instrumental soloists are permitted to perform, and vocal soloists may have a single accompanist.”
    For all Masses, as well as weddings and funerals, there may be one instrument and one vocalist. Both must be masked at all times, which is a change to previous guidance. This means that all cantors must now wear a mask when singing during Mass.

  • “Professional Services are required to mandate that employees work from home when possible and close offices to the public if possible. Any office that must remain open must limit occupancy to 25 percent of indoor occupancy limits.”
    In light of this new guidance, employees should be encouraged to work from home. Parish offices should be operating with minimal onsite staff and should not exceed 25% normal occupancy. Please change operating hours so that the office is open by appointment only. 

  • “Weddings and Funerals: Ceremonies are limited to a total of no more than 30 people. Indoor receptions, wakes, or similar gatherings in conjunction with such ceremonies are prohibited.”
    We will continue to celebrate weddings and funerals with no more than 30 people.

  • “All retail activities and business meetings are prohibited.”
    The intent of the new order is to limit social gatherings. Any meeting that does not require people to be physically present, should be moved online. However, please note that in-person faith-based meetings (Sacramental prep, RCIA, etc.) are technically not prohibited, but we recommend they move online during this current spike in virus cases.

ARCHDIOCESAN
​DOCUMENTS

Parish Reopening Guidelines 
​UPDATED 11-11-20
Catholic Schools for Fall 2020
Control Mitigation & Exposure Checklist (Ministries) 
​UPDATED 11-3-20
Control Mitigation & Exposure Checklist (Mass) 
UPDATED 11-3-20
Online Policies for Youth Ministry
Phase 1-3:  Chart-Parish Communication 
Vertical Divider

WASHINGTON STATE DOCUMENTS

State Governor Guidance:  Decision Tree for
​ In-Person Learning
 Phase and Risk Management Website
Phases 1 - 3:  Religious and Faith-Based Organization Requirements
Vertical Divider

BEST PRACTICES
​WORKING WITH YOUTH

Safe Environment Program
Online Group Meeting Protocols
Registration Form for Faith Formation
​Programs with Children (coming soon)
Online Youth Ministry Webpage

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.

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. ​​

​
  • 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.
  • 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.

​










​
​
Proudly powered by Weebly