ROCKFORD—Masks are now required by everyone in Catholic churches, schools, offices and any indoor space regardless of vaccination status according to an executive order issued on Aug. 26. by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.  The order took effect on Aug. 30.

 

The executive order also contained mandates regarding vaccines for school personnel and volunteers.

In response to the new order, Bishop David Malloy issued a letter Aug. 27 to all priests and pastors outlining the effect within church properties.

 

Another letter was issued by Bishop Malloy on Aug. 30 with guidance on the vaccine mandate on Aug. 30. According to diocesan chancellor Ellen Lynch, there were some clarifications needed from the governor’s office before detailing the implementation of the executive order in diocesan schools.

 

Then on Aug. 30, Bishop Malloy issued a This letter explains how the State’s mandate regarding masks will be implemented in the Diocese

 

The bishop’s letter stated that “all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, age two or over and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) are required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when indoors on the premises of our churches, schools, and diocesan facilities. Face coverings may be removed temporarily while actively eating or drinking, and may be removed by workers at workplaces when they can consistently maintain six feet of distance (such as when workers are in their office or cubicle space).

 

“Masks are to be worn by all at Masses, as well as inside the Church building. Masks may be removed during Mass by priests, deacons, and lectors when they read at the ambo, proclaim the gospel, and preach. The faithful may remove or lower their masks when receiving Holy Communion. Choir members may remove their masks during Masses when singing, although pastors may use their judgment, if the choir is located close to the faithful attending Mass, in deciding whether Masses should include a choir at this time. Musicians who play mouth instruments may remove their masks during Masses when playing those instruments.

 

“Masks must also be worn inside buses and other vehicles when transportation is provided by a parish, school, or the diocese, such as students on a bus taking a school field trip, a parish trip to visit a shrine, high school team players on a bus going to a track meet.”

 

In regard to vaccines, the executive order states that “individuals who a) work or volunteer at an elementary school or high school and b) are in close contact with other persons in the school for more than 15 minutes at least once a week, must be fully vaccinated.”

 

The letter issued by the diocese explains that the vaccination requirement also includes not only school employees “but also third-party contractors who provide services to a school, such as a food service company providing lunches in the school cafeteria. “

 

The Executive Order requiring vaccination does not apply to “any person who is present at the school for only a short period of time and whose moments of close physical proximity to others on site are fleeting,” such as delivery persons.  The letter explained that the vaccination requirement applies to priests assigned to a high school or to a parish with a parish school, or who visit one or more schools and are in close contact with others in the school for more than 15 minutes at least once a week. 

 

Anyone who does not get vaccinated through medical or religious exemption must be tested regularly and provide proof of negativity weekly. Full details on the conditions and requirements of the executive order issued by the diocese are posted at www.rockforddiocese.org

 

The diocesan guidance says that the vaccine mandate does not extend to parish religious education teachers, volunteers or families.