COVID Response

Update - February 10, 2022

In keeping with the expiration of the mask mandate in most public places in New York State, the Diocese of Syracuse will no longer mandate that masks be worn in diocesan churches and offices, effective February 10. The Diocese of Syracuse will continue to follow the mask requirements for schools. Although not mandated, the faithful are more than welcome to wear masks out of concern for the health and safety of others. It is necessary that all non vaccinated individuals continue to wear a mask in offices and churches.

Update - December 13, 2021

New York State has instituted a mask mandate in all public places effective December 13 to January 15. It is being done as a safety precaution and out of the utmost concern for one’s neighbor. Bishop Lucia expects that all parishes in the Diocese of Syracuse will cooperate with this important public health matter and comply with the mask mandate. Please wear a mask completely covering your nose and mouth when inside the building. If you forgot to bring one, masks (adult and child sizes) are available in the center Gathering Area. If you need help, please ask a staff member for assistance.

Update - May 21, 2021

After careful review of the CDC guidelines and the adoption of the guidelines by NYS, Bishop Lucia is announcing changes to our COVID protocols for Mass attendance, sacramental life and diocesan/parish office operations. Here is what you need to know:

• Reservations for Mass are no longer required.
• Parishioners who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a face mask.
• We kindly ask that all others continue to wear face masks and socially distance.
• All who prefer to continue wearing facial covering and social distancing are free to do so.
• Certain aisles in the church continue to have distanced seating.
• Hand sanitizer will continue to be available at all church entrances and in the sanctuary.
• Distribution of Holy Communion by clergy using hand sanitizer, masks, and physical distancing will continue.

Read Bishop Lucia's Letter to the People

Update to The Celebration of the Sacraments in Time of Pandemic

Update - May 18, 2021

It was recently announced that New York State will adopt the CDC’s new mask and social distancing guidance for fully vaccinated people effective Wednesday, May 19th. The Diocese of Syracuse is reviewing the new guidance and working to assess how to implement changes to its protocols effectively and safely throughout our parishes and offices. We ask for your patience as we are not able to change our policies and procedures abruptly. There is much to consider in regards to those who are fully vaccinated and those who are not. Therefore, our current policies and procedures will remain in place at this time including the wearing of masks and maintaining the 6 foot distancing. We will inform you of the changes that will take place immediately once this work is complete. We thank you for your cooperation, patience and grace as we chart our path in this changing landscape.

Update - January 28, 2021

All Orange Zone restrictions, and some Yellow Zone restrictions, have been lifted statewide. Certain statewide limits remain in effect. "The improvement in the numbers is a testament to New Yorkers' hard work and diligence against the virus and we must keep it up." At Holy Cross we will still require Mass reservations and occupancy limitations to ensure social distancing protocols are met. We thank you for your continued prayers and support in maintaining a safe environment for our parishioners. Please continue to keep up this diligence. God bless and be well!

Update - December 18, 2020

The parish closed briefly on Friday, December 18, 2020 due to a possible COVID-19 exposure of parish staff. Clergy and staff have followed all protocols for response to such a situation and can now resume operations and services as previously scheduled. All weekend Masses and services moving forward, including Saturday morning daily Mass (9:00 AM), will take place as previously scheduled. The parish office will remain closed until January 4, 2021 as a precautionary to protect our staff that will work remotely during this time. Holy Cross clergy and staff are following all safety protocols and taking every precaution to continue to provide a safe environment for our parishioners.

Those scheduled for weekend Mass in the school gymnasium will be moved to the church for the celebration of Mass. The clergy will handle all aspects of the celebration of Mass. The use of lay lectors is on hold until further notice. We will contact lectors and our liturgical ministry teams when we resume the use of volunteers.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We are so encouraged by the outpouring of support. Know that your safety and well-being is our top priority. You and your family are always in our prayers and informs our actions and plans to provide a safe environment to our community.

Out of an abundance of caution, Daily Mass for Friday, December 18, 2020 at 7:45 am is cancelled and the parish office is closed due to a possible covid exposure to parish staff. Live stream of Daily Mass will still be available at 7:45 AM via our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and understanding during this challenging time.

Update - December 14, 2020

Bishop Lucia has been in conversation with local officials regarding the restrictions placed on Houses of Worship in Cluster Zones. It has been observed and acknowledged that the protocols that have been in place in our churches: registering for Mass attendance, six foot distancing, sanitizing, wearing a mask throughout the entire liturgy and not congregating, have been effective in maintaining the health and safety of those in attendance. As such, we have been informed that those who are in the Orange Zone can register 33% capacity of their building for upcoming Masses.

"I remind especially the most vulnerable and those who care for them, that the obligation to attend Sunday and Holyday Masses remains suspended at this time. As much as we would love to see you worshipping with us, we want you to be safe. I want also to reiterate that if anyone has a cold or feels ill in an any way, that person should not be going to church lest we sicken others.

For those attending Christmas and Sunday Masses, it is very important for you to register since there are capacity limits for our churches. If you are unable to join us in person, please know that many parishes livestream their Sunday and even Daily Masses..."

– Bishop Lucia

Due to this announcement, Holy Cross is opening more seats for our Christmas Masses and Weekend and Daily Masses after Christmas.

Read the Bishop's Letter

Update - November 24, 2020

Governor Cuomo has identified updated cluster warning zones for Onondaga County. Holy Cross Church now is subject to rules and restrictions for the Orange Zone. In this zone, houses of worship are subject to a capacity limit of the lesser of 33% of maximum occupancy or 25 people, whichever is fewer. Bishop Lucia directs that Masses and the Sacrament of Reconciliation not be canceled due to the reduced occupancy number. Registrations and all other safety protocols must be followed. Due to occupancy restrictions, it is imperative that you register ahead of time for Mass and follow all procedures and guidelines to provide a safe experience for all. Live streaming of Mass is also offered so that you may participate in the liturgy from home. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we adjust to ever-changing rules and regulations and endeavor to keep each other safe. God bless!

Learn more about the different restrictions based on cluster zone below.

Red	Orange	Yellow
House of Worship
Lesser of: 25% of maximum capacity 10 people	Lesser of: 33% of maximum capacity 25 people	50% of maximum capacity
Non-Residential Gatherings
Prohibited	10 people maximum, indoors and outdoors	25 people maximum, indoors and outdoors
Residential Gatherings
Prohibited	10 people maximum, indoors and outdoors	10 people maximum, indoors and outdoors
Businesses
Non-essential businesses are closed	Certain high-risk non-essential businesses (eg., gyms, fitness centers and classes, barber shops, hair salons, personal care services) are closed.	Open
Dining
Takeout or delivery only	Outdoor dining, takeout or delivery only, 4 person maximum per table, and bars and restaurants close at 10:00pm for on-premises consumption	Indoor and outdoor dining permitted, 4 person maximum per table; bars and restaurants close at 10:00pm for on-premises consumption
Schools
Closed Remote-only	Closed Remote-only	Open 20% weekly testing of in-person students and faculty

Update - June 6, 2020

It was announced that Houses of Worship in New York State are permitted to use 25% capacity of their buildings for religious services. Houses of Worship may utilize 33% of their building capacity with 6ft. distancing to celebrate Mass. Due to occupancy restricitons, it is imperative that you register ahead of time for Mass and follow all procedures and guidelines to provide a safe experience for all. Online streaming of Mass will continued to be offered so that you may also participate from home. We look forward to taking these new step towards celebrating the liturgy together as a parish family.

Update - May 27, 2020

Bishop Lucia will open parishes in the Diocese of Syracuse on Pentecost Sunday weekend beginning with the Saturday evening Mass. Holy Cross will reopen for all weekend liturgies (Saturday 4pm, Sunday 7:30am, 10:30am, & 5pm.) Daily Masses will also be open. You must register ahead of time for Sunday Mass and/or Daily Mass. At this time, Masses for Pentecost will be held outdoors in our parking lot. Please follow all guidelines below to keep yourself and others safe.