Mass Regulations as of 2/28/22

+ February 18, 2022 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Yesterday Governor Inslee lifted the mask mandate for the State of Washington effective March 21, 2022. On that date, masks will no longer be required in the Archdiocese of Seattle, but we will continue to uphold other COVID safety measures and welcome all people regardless of their mask preference. New Department of Health guidance for schools will be forthcoming and some local public health authorities may not lift the mask mandate in their counties. Our archdiocesan COVID Taskforce will continue to track this and provide corresponding guidance as necessary. As the shepherd of this flock, I wish to provide a welcoming environment so that our parishes and schools may continue to carry out the mission of the Church. People will have different comfort levels related to masking and we will respect everyone’s choice, while upholding our other safety measures. Let us continue to pray for the faithful departed, the countless lives disrupted by this pandemic, and the health care workers who have responded to this crisis. Please know of my gratitude to each one of you for your witness of faith in God and love of neighbor. Please know I continue to pray for you, and I ask for your continued prayers. As always, I remain, In the heart of Christ, Most Rev. Paul D. Etienne, DD, STL Archbishop of Seattle

Over the coming weeks you will see the reemergence of many things we have missed in the past two years. With the exception of the distribution of the Precious Blood, nearly all parts of the Mass will look the same as prior to the pandemic. We will also be able to join together as a community for gatherings and sharing a meal. Yes, this means our Lenten Soup Suppers are resuming! These are exciting reintroductions. However, we are all acutely aware of how scary this can feel after the two years we have all lived through.  We may feel more cautious and that is okay. We may be apprehensive or even fearful. These are feelings to be expected. The Archdiocese of Seattle is in close contact with the Department of Health regarding current COVID precautions and necessary restrictions to mitigate transmission. We are following all guidelines from the Archdiocese and will update precautions as they come about. As always, let us be united in Christ.