First and foremost all of what we do as we gather as Church, our public masses, functions, religious education and events, must prioritize the directions given by the State and Federal guidelines:
- Mississippi State Guidelines for Gathering
- CDC Guidelines for Gathering
- Overall guidance from MS: https://www.coronavirus.ms.gov/
During this time, we are all called to continue to minister to people and each other.
To the Clergy, Religious, and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Biloxi:
On August 6 of last year, I lifted many of the COVID-19 precautions instituted in the Diocese of Biloxi. Since then, much progress has been made in controlling the spread of the virus. I am now lifting all other remaining cautionary provisions with the exception of making hand sanitizer available for everyone entering parish buildings and regular cleaning of holy water fonts/stoups.
Ministers are no longer required to wear masks for distribution of Holy Communion, though they may do so on their own initiative or upon the Pastor's request.
Pastors may, but are not required to, again allow for communicants to receive the Precious Blood from the chalice-with Ministers of Holy Communion, as usual, carefully wiping the lip of the chalice between communicants. The faithful may be reminded that reception of the Precious Blood from the chalice is at their discretion and that it is not necessary to receive from the chalice in order to receive the whole Christ in Communion.
The obligation to personally participate in Holy Mass resumes for all who are able to be physically present and can do so without gravely endangering their health.
As before, a Pastor may temporarily return to some of the previous COVID-19 cautionary provisions if the virus or a variant changes the situation on the ground.
Please be assured of my prayers.
Given at the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Biloxi on April 21, A.D. 2022.
Download Decree for Print
To: Pastors
From: Msgr. Dominick Fullam, V.G.
Subj: Masks at Holy Communion
Until now, the Bishop has asked Priests and other Ordinary/Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to wear a mask during the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass.
Effective immediately, Bishop Kihneman authorizes Pastors in the Diocese to make the wearing of masks during distribution of Holy Communion optional for some or all parish Masses. A Minister of Holy Communion, Ordinary or Extraordinary, may still choose to wear a mask if the Pastor has made it optional.
Ministers of Holy Communion should still sanitize their hands just prior to distribution of Holy Communion.
Pastors may dispense altar servers from any mask requirements.
Hand sanitizer and masks should still be made available for parishioners and visitors to use.
COVID-19 vaccinations for Mississippians are available at no cost from MSDH sites around the state, and from local pharmacies and healthcare providers. Where do I go to get vaccinated?
Homebound persons can get help with COVID-19 vaccination by sending an e-mail to COVIDHomebound@msdh.ms.gov or by calling 877-978-6453
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