Along with the St. Joseph Parish Pastoral Council and Safety Committee, we welcome you to our Celebration of the Eucharist and to our meeting facilities! In the interest of charity and safety for everyone, please note that face coverings are required during the entire time that you and your family are inside the church building. Please find below the policy established by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester, as well as a link to further information set forth by the Center for Disease Control and the State of New Hampshire.
MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR YOURPROTECTION AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF ALL WHO WORSHIP AT OUR CHURCH OR UTILIZE OUR MEETING FACILITIES
Guidelines of the Diocese of Manchester for Usage of Masks
The wearing of masks in all public gatherings remains the best practice in the eyes of state and federal public health authorities. Thus, as an act of charity, masks are required in all liturgical gatherings in the Diocese of Manchester, except for children younger than 2 years old; anyone who has trouble breathing; and anyone incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the facecovering without assistance.
SIMPLE SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE TO ASSESSSUITABILITY FOR ADMISSION TO THE CHURCH BUILDING OR MEETING FACILITIES
The following are the screening questions as laid out in the most recent version of the Universal Guidelines.
Do you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher? Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
- Fever, or feeling feverish;
- Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath;
- General body symptoms such as muscle aches, chills, and severe fatigue;
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Changes in a person’s sense of taste or smell.
Have you had close contact with someone who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 in the prior 14 days? (Note: healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment should answer “no” because they are not considered to have a COVID- 19 exposure)
Have you traveled in the prior 14 days outside of New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island for non-essential purposes?
If you have responded affirmatively to any of these questions, or if anyone has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days (from the test date or from the date symptoms first appeared), then they should not enter the church building or meeting facilities.
Please note that these guidelines and questions are subject to change at any time and as determined by the Diocese of Manchester.