Dear Parish Family, after months of suspending the public celebration of Mass, it is so good to be back in our own Church. I have missed all of you so very much. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and that is the case for me but, my heart is not big enough to hold all of the love and prayers that you have shared with me during this time. Thank you so much, Fr. Steve.

In light of the decision to resume the celebration of public Masses and Liturgies by the Bishops of Ohio, the following Directives and Guidelines are issued for all of us in the Diocese of Youngstown. These take into consideration how to best proceed under and adhering to restrictions issued by the State of Ohio. They are considered to be temporary until it is determined safe to return to normal circumstances. Now, I am sharing some of the Diocesan Directives and Guidelines for our return
to Mass:

1. Understanding the desire of many to return to Church, it
   remains important for those who are at a greater risk to refrain
   from returning until such time they feel comfortable and confident to do so.
   DISPENSATION FROM THE OBLIGATION TO ATTEND
   SUNDAY MASS: The Catholic faithful who reside in the D of
   Y and all other Catholics in the Diocese and especially those
   who are sick, or at high risk of becoming sick, continue to be
   dispensed from Sunday obligation until further notice.
2. Those who are symptomatic or who have been exposed to
   another with the virus within 14 days, should not attend Mass
   in accordance with national, state, and local health directives.
3. Appropriate cleaning of high use areas within the Church
   is to be done before and after each service.
4. Every effort to ensure appropriate physical distancing before, during, and after liturgical celebrations is required.
   Methods will vary depending on capacity and arrangement of
   church buildings. Other than immediate family members/
   household units, worshippers, should be seated six feet apart.
5. Large gatherings before or after Mass are to be discouraged.
6. While not mandatory, worshippers may wear masks or face
   coverings, and this is highly encouraged. If needed, masks
   will be available.
   AFTER MASS: Bulletins will be available for pick-up. Hospitality members will not pass them out. Also, gatherings after
   Masses are to be discouraged, such as receptions or social
   gatherings (i.e. coffee/donuts).