Guidelines for Parishes of the Polish National Catholic Church as Covid-19 Restriction Are Relaxed
June 1, 2021
Throughout the United States, on both the federal and state levels Covid-19 restrictions are being relaxed. The bishops of the PNCC are actively monitoring these pronouncements and issue the following guidelines as a consideration for the parishes as they each move forward in their life of worship and ministry.
1) Each parish is reminded to follow their state laws and restrictions as well as CDC guidelines.
2) Each parish should seek to encourage their parishioners to begin to actively attend worship, especially the weekly celebration of the Eucharist, and participate in other parish events more fully.
3) All clergy and parish members, in consultation with their doctors, are encouraged to be vaccinated in an effort to allow the parishes to more fully partake in their ministry of worship and fellowship.
4) In regards to the wearing of masks on parish property, even after mask mandates are lifted, each parish of the Polish National Catholic Church can decided for itself if those attending worship or parish functions must wear masks and in what capacity.
5) Even if masks are not being worn within a parish, those who have any health concerns are welcome and encouraged to wear a mask with the full acceptance of the parish.
6) For at least some time into the future, the clergy will continue to wear masks while distributing Holy Communion, sanitizing hands between individuals. Those living within the same household may receive communion together.
7) Pastors are encouraged to distribute communion by intinction as is PNCC practice, still having the intinction vessel at some distance from the one receiving.
8) Holy Water can be returned to the stoups for use by the faithful. Each member can then decide if they wish to use this sacramental.
If there are any questions or concerns in dealing with these topics, the pastor or members of the Parish Committee are encouraged to contact their Diocesan Bishop.
This guideline was approved by the Bishops of the Polish National Catholic Church at their meeting on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky, Prime Bishop, P.N.C.C.
Rt. Rev. John Mack, Diocesan Bishop, Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese
Rt. Rev. Paul Sobiechowski, Diocesan Bishop, Eastern Diocese
Rt. Rev. Bernard Nowicki, Diocesan Bishop, Central Diocese
Rt. Rev. Jaroslaw Rafalko, Diocesan Bishop, Western Diocese