Covid-19 Update
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 |
Lesser of: 33% of maximum capacity |
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* |
Closed* |
Open |
What does this mean for Holy Cross?
Due to the capacity limit, Holy Cross will offer extra satellite locations for Mass. Daily Mass will continue to be offered in the church sanctuary at the capacity limit. Daily Mass will also be simulcast live downstairs to Yeazel Hall. A separate lay minister or member of the clergy will deliver and distribute Holy Communion during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
During weekend liturgies for Sunday Mass (and special liturgies like Thanksgiving Day Mass), the church sanctuary and Yeazel Hall will be utilized, and a priest will also celebrate Mass in the Holy Cross School gymnasium at the capacity limit.
Masses will continue to be offered at all of the same times. Due to the limited capacity and added locations, it is imperative that you register for Mass and pay attention to the location for which you make your reservation.
How do I register?
You may register for Mass by visiting our website at holycrossdewitt.org/signup
Be sure to select how many people will be attending before selecting reservation time and location.
You will receive a confirmation email after registering with important information. Be sure to use an email address you check regularly.
How far in advance can I register?
Due to the nature of the very limited capacity and general unknown of how long we will be in this designated warning zone, the reservation system will be updated on Mondays for the following week. Because some reservations were already in the system when we received the news, we've kept all current reservations through December 6, 2020. Any reservation that was made in advance for after December 6th has been removed and the system reset.
What about Christmas Masses?
It is our hope that we will still be able to celebrate Christmas Masses in person. So out of an abundance of cautionary optimism, we will still open registration for Christmas Masses on November 29th. We will plan and prepare for having Christmas Masses in person with the understanding and flexibility to cancel if need be for the safety of the community.
Thanksgiving Mass
Thursday, November 26th | 9:00 AM
Thanksgiving Day Mass is still being offered. Since reservations started before the zone change, all reservations in the system have been kept, however we will utilize multiple locations: church sanctuary, Yeazel Hall, and Holy Cross School gymnasium to limit capacity of the services. Please be patient and flexible as you may be asked to attend Mass in one of the satellite locations depending on the size of your group and when you arrive.
How we are keeping you and your family safe
Face masks that completely cover your nose and mouth must be worn by anyone entering the building. This is required of everyone over the age of 2 years old.
Hand sanitizer stations are available at the entrance to the building and in aisles before receiving Holy Communion.
Enter the church through the main center entrance and follow arrows and signage for flow of traffic in the building.
Weekend Masses are currently offered in three locations at a limit of 25 individuals per location: Church Sanctuary, Yeazel Hall, & Holy Cross School Gymnasium
The church and facilities are sanitized following every event, gathering, and Mass.
Our Youth & Family programs now come to you in a safe and stylish new way. Check it out here!
Social distancing is required, and unnecessary congregating is discouraged.
Holy Water, Missals, collection plates, and any passed or shared items have been removed to deter cross contamination.
The Sign of Peace and choirs are suspended but the organist will still provide music for certain Masses.
Join us in Prayer
O Mary, full of grace, Patroness of this nation and Mother of the Church, in this time of illness and worldwide need we seek your intercession for the human family before your Son’s throne of grace and mercy. We ask for strength in adversity, health in weakness, and comfort in sorrow. Help us, O Blessed Mother, to be filled with confidence and trust in the tender compassion of our God. Let us not be afraid, like our own Saint Marianne Cope, who entrusted her life and ministry among the outcasts of society into the care of our Divine Physician. Continue to watch over all who are sick as well as those who care for them and give wisdom to all who are seeking a cure. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for your continued support, patience, and care for our Holy Cross Family! We know how hard it is right now and we really appreciate your goodness. Continue to be a light for Christ in a dark world, spur one another on, and find hope in knowing that this is not forever. There is an end in sight. Stay strong and find courage in the Lord. God bless you all!