Houses of worship given OK to open at 25% capacity

By Connor Linskey
Posted 6/10/20

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday that houses of worship can open at 25 percent capacity starting immediately for New York State regions in Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan. The …

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Houses of worship given OK to open at 25% capacity

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday that houses of worship can open at 25 percent capacity starting immediately for New York State regions in Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan. The Mid-Hudson Region, which consists of Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Rockland and Westchester Counties entered Phase 2 on Tuesday.

“The metrics and health data across the state are very positive,” Cuomo said. “Taking that into account, churches, mosques and temples can reopen with 25 percent occupancy and with social distancing as part of Phase 2. This starts immediately for regions currently in Phase 2.”

On Friday, Cuomo announced that the state had reached the lowest number of deaths and hospitalizations since the COVID-19 pandemic began. On Thursday, 42 people in New York State died from COVID-19, down from a record high of 800 just eight weeks prior.

Those attending services should still abide by social distancing precautions. Cuomo noted that it would be up to churches, temples and mosques to put protocols in place.

The reopening of houses of worship was originally slated for Phase 4. Beginning last month, the governor allowed for small religious services with fewer than 10 people and drive-through or parking lot services. Cuomo cited the dwindling number of deaths and hospitalizations as reasons for the acceleration of the opening.

Rev. Matt Reiman, pastor of the Holy Name of Mary and Assumption Church in Maybrook and Montgomery, was thrilled by this good news. In addition to Cuomo’s announcement, the Archdiocese of New York reported that its churches will be able to resume weekday mass, baptisms, weddings and funerals at 25 percent of the capacity of the church. Those who are at a greater risk of COVID-19 (those older than 65 or who have underlying health conditions) are cautioned not to come to church. These people are encouraged to join when they feel safe and comfortable to do so. As an alternative, they can watch the mass online, as many churches have active websites and Facebook pages.

As the return to Sunday Mass becomes imminent, Holy Name of Mary and Assumption Church will offer the Sacrament of Penance. In addition to their regular Sunday confession hours in the parish hall in Montgomery from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m., the Sacrament of Penance will also be available by appointment.

In addition, on the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 19, confessions will be heard from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Assumption in Maybrook and from 4 to 6 p.m. at Holy Name of Mary in Montgomery. Adoration will also take place during these times as well.

At this time, parish organizations may resume their meetings, as long as social distancing is followed and masks are worn, for now. Consideration should be made that the elderly and those with health conditions should not attend as of yet. It may not be the right time yet to schedule any in person meetings.

During any parish activity during this time, masks must be worn.

For now, the sacristies will be closed to the public except for Pastor Reiman and Deacon Edward Grasso at Holy Name of Mary and Assumption Church.

On Thursday, it was announced that Catholic Churches within the Archdioces of New York - with the exception of those in New York City, would be open for Sunday mass. 

Mass times at the Church of the Infant Savious in Pine Bush will be Saturday at 5 pm, and Sunday at 8 am, 9:30 am and 11:15 am in the main Church. No masses will be celebrated at this time at Our Lady of the Valley.

Attendance at each mass at Infant Saviour will be limited to 70 persons total in the Church and the Church hall combined on a first-come, first served basis. If you arrive after the 70 person capacity is reached, you will be asked to attend another Mass time. The pews and chairs are marked for single, couples and family patrons. Please do not rearrange the seating in the Church hall. The floors are also marked to maintain a safe distance from each other. Masks must be worn in Church and we will have a supply of masks available if you forget to bring one of your own. Please plan to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before Mass.

Please note the following when coming to Mass:

Please use only the designated pews. Do not remove the tape that cordons off empty pews.

Families may sit together.

Communion line please keep 6ft apart from the person in front of you. Markings are on the floor.

Please bring hand sanitizer with you if you have it.

No sign of Peace will be exchanged.

All precautions must be taken. The first priority is the safety of the clergy and people, and self-care of all ministers. The second priority is to resume in-person worship.

Only the main door of the Church will be open and greeters will escort you to your seats. The Mother’s Chapel will be closed. All children are welcome to sit in the main Church or Hall.

For now, there is no obligation for you to come to Sunday Mass. For those who are at a greater risk from Covid-19, over 65 years of age, or with underlying health conditions may choose and are cautioned to continue watching Mass from home on TV or online and receive the act of Spiritual Communion. Effective this weekend, we will no longer be recording live Mass from Infant Savior Church. Please refer to EWTN or online for live or recorded Masses.

Marcos Ortega, an assistant pastor at Goodwill Church, was also excited about Cuomo’s announcement. Their plans for reopening will continue to be posted on their website and Facebook page over the next few days.

Even after Cuomo’s announcement on Saturday, The Reformed Church of Shawangunk, continues to postpone in-person worship services and Sunday School due to COVID-19. Pastor Howard L. Dalton continues to offer a Sunday message, which can be viewed on their website.

“The consistory along with Pastor Howie would like you to know that we have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus updates,” the staff posted on the church’s website. “We have taken all necessary precautions for our church grounds but we are concerned about the spread of this virus. The consistory is concerned for our family members that may fall into one of the high risk categories.”

Trinity Lutheran Church in Walden has also chosen to err on the side of caution.

“All public worship services are on “pause” until further notice,” the church posted on its website.