COVID-19 Protocols for 2021 Holy Week & Easter
Palm Sunday (March 28, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.)
When you arrive at Palm Sunday Mass, you will not be able to take any palms. They will be handed out by a minister wearing gloves at the end of Mass to alleviate everyone touching the palms. There is also a limited supply of palms this year due to the social distancing in the church and narthex. Please accept the palms that the minister gives you.
Holy Thursday (April 1, 2021, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.)
There will be no Foot Washing Ritual at the Holy Thursday Service. There will be a short procession from the altar to the ambry with the Holy Oils that will be received prior to Holy Thursday. For Adoration, the area in front of the Altar of Repose will be for standing only. Since Adoration is part of Mass, we still need to maintain our limitations on church capacity, social distancing, masks, and sanitizing.
Good Friday (April 2, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.)
The recommendation from the Joliet Diocese is to have the priest raise the cross and place it in front of the altar for silent adoration (no procession/veneration of the cross).
Holy Saturday (April 3, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.)
The Easter Basket Blessing will be outside of the church to ensure social distancing. Masks are required. Weather permitting.
Holy Saturday (April 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.)
The Joliet Diocese has asked that we limit the number of people that gather outside for the lighting of the Paschal Candle to ensure social distancing. There will be no individual candles used during Mass.
Easter Sunday (April 4, 2021)
Masses at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Sunday Masses will be as normal. No congregating or pictures will be allowed in the church or narthex after the Masses so the church can be sanitized and cleaned before the next Mass starts.
St. Philip the Apostle Parish would like to extend our prayers to you and your families during this Holy Week. It may be different than years past, especially 2020, when we all could only celebrate from our homes. These guidelines have been put in place by the CDC and the Joliet Diocese for your protection. We greatly appreciate your cooperation through this holy time.
When you arrive at Palm Sunday Mass, you will not be able to take any palms. They will be handed out by a minister wearing gloves at the end of Mass to alleviate everyone touching the palms. There is also a limited supply of palms this year due to the social distancing in the church and narthex. Please accept the palms that the minister gives you.
Holy Thursday (April 1, 2021, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.)
There will be no Foot Washing Ritual at the Holy Thursday Service. There will be a short procession from the altar to the ambry with the Holy Oils that will be received prior to Holy Thursday. For Adoration, the area in front of the Altar of Repose will be for standing only. Since Adoration is part of Mass, we still need to maintain our limitations on church capacity, social distancing, masks, and sanitizing.
Good Friday (April 2, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.)
The recommendation from the Joliet Diocese is to have the priest raise the cross and place it in front of the altar for silent adoration (no procession/veneration of the cross).
Holy Saturday (April 3, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.)
The Easter Basket Blessing will be outside of the church to ensure social distancing. Masks are required. Weather permitting.
Holy Saturday (April 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.)
The Joliet Diocese has asked that we limit the number of people that gather outside for the lighting of the Paschal Candle to ensure social distancing. There will be no individual candles used during Mass.
Easter Sunday (April 4, 2021)
Masses at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Sunday Masses will be as normal. No congregating or pictures will be allowed in the church or narthex after the Masses so the church can be sanitized and cleaned before the next Mass starts.
St. Philip the Apostle Parish would like to extend our prayers to you and your families during this Holy Week. It may be different than years past, especially 2020, when we all could only celebrate from our homes. These guidelines have been put in place by the CDC and the Joliet Diocese for your protection. We greatly appreciate your cooperation through this holy time.