Mask policy
Acceptable Masks
- Well-fitting masks featuring 2 or more layers of fabric and an adjustable nose wire are required. Reusable cloth masks, disposable masks and Kn95s (for children) all fit this description.
- Mesh masks not permissible
Where masks are required:
- indoors in all archdiocesan locations (including the City of Chicago, Lake County and Suburban Cook County) for all clergy, staff, volunteers and parishioners inside archdiocesan facilities, including Masses, liturgies and all activities/events within our parishes. See below for mask use guidelines within Masses/liturgies.
- inside all archdiocesan school buildings, regardless of the individual’s vaccination status and regardless of school location.
- inside all parish and agency offices, campus ministry facilities, and Pastoral Center offices (when in common hallways, kitchens/lunchrooms, restrooms, copy areas, offices or conference rooms), regardless of vaccination status.
For all Masses and other liturgies the following directives apply:
- Masks must be worn by all participants for the duration of the Mass, with the following exceptions:
- Presider: When praying, preaching, the mask may be removed
- Readers: When proclaiming the readings or announcing the petitions, the mask may be removed.
- Cantors: When leading hymns or proclaiming the Psalm, the mask may be removed.
- Wind Instrumentalists: When playing, the mask may be removed.
- When receiving Holy Communion:
- As the communicant approaches the priest or extraordinary minister, he/she receives the Host in the hand.
- The communicant steps six feet to the side, removes the strap from one ear of the mask or face covering, letting it hang from the other ear, uncovering the mouth, and consumes the Host.
- The communicant replaces the mask over the mouth and nose and returns to his/her seat
For all weddings, the above mask directives apply, plus:
- Presider: When praying, preaching, the mask may be removed
- For the celebration of matrimony (nos. 58-68 in the OCM) he should be masked because of the close proximity to the bride and groom.
- The Bride and Groom: for the celebration of matrimony (nos. 58-68 in the OCM), the mask may be removed.
- If the Bride is of the same household as the person/people walking her down the aisle, masks may be removed.
- The bride and groom may remove masks for their photos.
- Others in the wedding party are to be masked, as they are not from the same household.
- Photos outdoors do not require masks.
- Photos in the church:
- At all other times and for all participants, masks are to be worn.
