COVID CHANGES FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE

The Archdiocese of Newark no longer requires ministers of Holy Communion (priests, deacons and Extraordinary Ministers) to wear masks for the distribution of Holy Communion, nor for the celebration of any other sacrament, baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick.  The requirements for the use of cotton balls for anointings and pitchers of water for baptisms is also lifted as well as covered ciboria and contactless exchange of the sign of peace.  Communion in the hand is still the preferred method of reception but communion from the cup is still prohibited.  

The implementation of these changes has been left to the local parish.  Here at Mount Carmel we have decided to maintain the previous directives until after Easter when they will be evaluated again.  However, beginning this weekend, an in-pew collection will once again be taken up during the month of April and will be evaluated at the end of the month..