St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church in Canton shared a reflection from the pastor’s desk in the Aug. 30 bulletin about necessary precautions during this time.

“For those who do not yet feel safe at the face-to-face celebration of the Mass, the Archbishop has extended the dispensation from mandatory Mass attendance until Sunday, Nov. 22,” the Rev. Chris Maus said in the bulletin. 

This is an extension of the original date of Labor Day, but given the turn of events and the ongoing nature of the pandemic, additional time is being offered to those who feel more comfortable worshiping from home.

For those who are going to be returning to Mass for the first time in months, Fr. Maus explained that there are certain protocols in place to protect one another from the virus.

Among these measures include the sanitization of chairs between services, social distancing of seating and wearing of masks throughout the duration of the service. Singing is also being limited as it serves as a vehicle for the spread of bacteria. No hand shaking will take place and there will be no physical contact between individuals— with the exception of within families— during the celebration of Mass.

“There is no real substitution for in-person celebration of Sunday Mass," Maus noted. "That said, I realize that it is necessary for many of you because of your health, to not yet return to the church building."

The church has generated a video to help those who are returning to Mass for the first time.

“If you still do not feel comfortable attending or have underlying health issues, we hope you will continue to pray with us from home online," Maus said. "We will continue to record the Sunday Mass at least until the time a vaccine is approved. The recorded Sunday Mass is available both on Facebook and on our website."