Supporting Church Operations

Employees are directed to work from home. If an employee must go into the office, the visit should be brief; the employee must use hygiene best-practices and avoid close contact with others. The recommended distance to keep between individuals is at least six feet.

• Area Bishops' March 31 Statement on Civic Leaders' Stay-at-Home Orders 
• Bishop Mariann’s March 25 Worship Guidelines

ESSENTIAL PARISH OPERATIONS

• Maintaining Essential Parish Functions
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act Required Notification to All Parish Staff
• Essential Employees/Volunteers editable letter for parishes

USE OF CHURCH FACILITIES POLICY

Our highest priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our people. Until such time as our civic leaders develop a plan for the safe resumption of normal business activities, the Diocese of Washington will continue to observe social distancing requirements and keep our church facilities closed except as noted below.

• All in-person parish activities, meetings, and gatherings should be postponed, held virtually, or cancelled until we have new information about the status of the pandemic.
• Outside groups who use our buildings should cancel or postpone events or hold them virtually. Consultation may be needed for any contractual implications of limiting access.
• Regarding funerals and memorial services, we are bound by the guidelines given to us by civic authorities. In the current stay-at-home/closure state, clergy may, if they choose, preside at a graveside for a gathering of fewer than ten people, provided appropriate masking and physical distancing. While current civic guidelines allow for services in our sanctuaries for fewer than 10 people, Bishop Mariann asks clergy to wait until the stay-at-home orders have been lifted. As restrictions ease, we will adjust accordingly. These same guidelines apply to presiding at marriage ceremonies. 

Exception for Service Live Streaming / Recording 

Under guidance from Governor Hogan and Mayor Bowser, parish leaders may access church facilities to live stream or record services provided that: 

• No more than 10 persons are present in-person for any service
• Those participating are not at high-risk for contracting the coronavirus, especially elder clergy and laity, and those with underlying health issues
• Physical distance of six feet or more is maintained at all times, with hands washed and surfaces cleaned

PARISH ONLINE MEETINGS

• Parish Committee and staff meetings; annual meetings and annual meeting elections

 
CLEANING OF CHURCH BUILDINGS

• Guidance and product recommendations for cleaning and disinfection of church buildings.