Prior to attending Mass, please read the information below regarding the following 3 items:
- Instructions for receiving Communion
- Disclaimer for parish web-sites and parish online Mass reservation systems
- A map of the traffic flow for the parking lot is shown for your reference.

Disclaimer for parish web-sites and parish online Mass reservation systems

English Version: 

St. James, Stratford is pleased to be able to offer public worship again.  The parish is taking precautions per the CDC and Governor Lamont’s recommendations regarding public gatherings, as well as our own precautions we feel are prudent under the circumstances.   We look forward to welcoming you and your family back to Mass, but please understand there are risks involved in attending a public worship in a pandemic despite all of the precautions taken by the parish and the diocese.

 We ask your cooperation with all of the directives that have been put in place for your safety and the safety of our clergy and your fellow worshipers.

Spanish Version:

La Parroquia de St. James, Stratford se complace en ofrecer la Santa Misa en público nuevamente. La Parroquia ha tomado todas las precauciones según el CDC, y las recomendaciones del Gobernador Lamont con respecto a las reuniones públicas. También estamos tomando nuestras propias precauciones, las que consideramos prudentes dadas las circunstancias. Esperamos darle la bienvenida a usted y a su familia a la Misa, pero comprenda que existen riesgos involucrados en asistir a un culto público en una pandemia, a pesar de todas las precauciones tomadas por la parroquia y la diócesis. Le pedimos su cooperación con todas las directivas que se han implementado para su segurid y de nuestro clero y nuestros feligreses.

MASS AND COMMUNION INSTRUCTIONS for Phase 1

NOTE: In order to receive Communion you will need a mask that can be partially removed. (See below for details.)

You will remain in your car during Mass. You must turn off the engine. The audio is available on your radio. Tune in to station 91.5FM. If you want to receive communion you will have to put on a face mask before exiting your car. You will be directed as to when you can get in line for communion, keeping 6ft social distancing. (We cannot have more than 44 people out of their cars’ at any one time) When you get up to the front of the line and BEFORE you partially removed your mask, Fr. Peter, Fr. Phil or Deacon Joe will say “The body of Christ” and you will respond “Amen”. Partially remove your mask. (For masks that go behind the ears, take the strap off one of your ears leaving the mask dangling from the other ear.  For masks that tie behind the head, untie the top strap and leave the mask dangling around your neck. AT NO TIME ARE YOU ALLOWED TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE MASK.)  After we place the host in the palm of your hand, you will then step left or right- one step, and put the host in your mouth , put the face mask on (either by putting the strap around the back of your other ear or tieing the top strap) and return to your car.

Here is important information you must read before making a reservation for an outdoor Mass at St. James:
By signing up to attend the parish service, you recognize the obligation to

1. Wear a mask or face covering when required;
2. Adhere to all required directions regarding social distance spacing when participating in the service AND 
3. Not attend the service if you are sick, experiencing any symptoms consistent with the coronavirus, or are otherwise required to be quarantined.

The Mass will be heard on WSJR (91.5 FM) Radio Free St. James - The Home of the Holy Spirit.
 

The following are the guidelines that will be applied for any Mass celebrated in-church as well as some scheduling notes:

• Anyone immuno compromised, or 65 and over is strongly discouraged from coming indoors at this time.
• Anyone not feeling well should stay home.
• Please maintain social distancing of 6 feet at all times.
• Capacity is 90. (Must sign up online on Church website. Names will be checked at the doors on entry.)
• Masks are required. Please bring your own.
• All three entrances will be open.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at all three entrances.
• Bathrooms will be closed.
• No hymnals in pews.
• People from a single household can sit together.
• All others only at designated social distancing spots  (blue crosses)
• Parking spots are available outside in normal fashion. No custom lines like we have instituted for outdoor Masses
• Mass will be live streamed and audio will be available on 91.5 FM
• No normal Offertory collection. An Offertory basket will be available at each entrance.
• No singing (other than two Cantors in Choir Loft)
• No traditional sign of peace
• Line for Eucharist will be six feet apart. One row at a time, rotating sides (L-R) Ushers will direct & Father Peter or Father Phil will announce
• Communion will also be served outside for those that choose to remain in cars
• Communion will be distributed in only one species (Host). (It is strongly recommended that it be received in the hand only.)
• No paper Bulletins are allowed in Church. (They will be online only on the Parish website starting Saturday, 6/20.)
• The priest will not be available to to greet those in attendance either before or after Mass.

Mass Scheduling Note:

• 8:30 and 11:30 will remain outside (weather permitting)
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• The only entrance to the church will be the handicap ramp on the Broad St. side of church.
• All other restrictions are the same as those that apply to 4:30 PM Mass. (These are listed above.)