How to best guide our diocese, parishes, and schools is challenging, to say the least! As we apply our diocesan policy, and guidance from public health authorities, questions are bound to arise. What we are providing here is answers to questions we have received at the chancery. We figure if one person asked, more people have the same question. 

If you wish to ask a question, just e-mail... if it is a question that others would benefit from knowing the answer to, we'll post it here (without identifying information).  

Q3. What does it mean to be a Eucharistic People if we can't gather for Eucharist?

A clue can be found in the readings for Palm Sunday: we are being called to a self-emptying love, a Eucharistic love. We are being called to follow our Savior. Yes, that means the Cross. But it also means Resurrection. Please click here for more. (4/4/20)

Q2. How can I make sense of what we’re being asked to give up right now? What does practicing the faith look like if we can’t come together, especially for Mass, this Lent?

A2. To go without the Eucharist is hard, even painful. This is a gut-wrenching Lenten fast. Especially because – for many of us – the threat of COVID-19 seems so unreal, so far away.
It isn’t. Please click here to keep reading. (3/17/20)

Q1. Why are we making all these changes? Isn’t this just a mild flu for most people?

A1. For most, COVID-19 will be a mild disease. But the problem is this: with a new virus, no one is immune. That means a lot of people will get sick. Of those, a certain percentage… 20% by latest estimates... will have more severe disease. Those at highest risk are the elderly and the medically frail. With a lot of people getting sick, our hospitals, ERs, and clinics will be stressed. They are already facing issues of shortages of critical supplies. So, when it comes to adjusting our lives – even the kind of disruption that the closing of schools and cancelling of gatherings might bring – we do so to slow down the epidemic, spreading it out over time so fewer people are sick all at once. We’re used to thinking about individuals: most of us aren’t going to get too sick. But we also need to think about our society as a whole, and the risk to our health care system. After all, if we have an accident, heart attack, or stroke, we are going to want to be able to get timely care. If COVID-19 has overrun our system, then we will all suffer. (3/13/20)

ADDED 3/15/20: This "pandemic simulator" helps explain why social distancing is so important.

Q2. Any updated recommendations, especially as COVID-19 is becoming more common?

A2. Continue to check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) websites for the latest information. In addition, click here to see the latest document from the Quad Cities COVID-19 Coalition’s latest advice. (3/22/20)

Q1: What is being recommended if COVID-19 is in my community?
 
A1. The CDC recommends the following:

• Individuals and communities should familiarize themselves with recommendations to protect themselves and their communities from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
• If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home.
• If you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and you develop COVID-19 symptoms, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home.

In Johnson County, if anyone is concerned that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, they should contact the Johnson County Health Department at 319-356-6040. (3/12/20)

Q15. What is this “pandemic indulgence” that I’ve heard of?

A15. The Church has granted a plenary indulgence to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As underlined in the decree, the indulgence applies differently to 3 different groups: the sick and isolated, caregivers, and the faithful in general. In addition, we are reminded of the Church’s indulgence for those at the point of death. If the usual conditions for obtaining the Indulgence (Communion, Confession) cannot be met at this time, the intention to do so as soon as possible is enough. Please click here for an explanation of indulgences in general and what this particular indulgence is all about.

ADDED 4/4/20: A special Good Friday Indulgence has also been granted. 

Q14. What if I can't make it to Confession?

A14. The Church recognizes that there are times that it isn’t possible for everyone to receive sacramental absolution. In those cases, we’re encouraged to make an “act of perfect contrition” (see CCC, 1452). What does that mean? Perfect contrition (a gift of God’s grace) includes an express and sincere desire for the forgiveness of sins as well as the resolution to confess any serious (mortal) sins in the usual way as soon as it’s possible. Relying on God’s loving mercy, the Church teaches that such a desire forgives all sins, even mortal ones. Even if we have to be apart from each other, we aren’t alone. Our prayer resource (Rites for Emergencies) includes a way to help make this act. (3/22/20)

Q13. Can I still go to Confession?

The individual celebration of Reconciliation is permitted, as long as the guidelines given in our policy are followed. For example, priests may choose to make themselves available during the times the church is open for private prayer. Care must be taken to clean and disinfect the area after each penitent. The norm is that confession is to be heard in a church. However, if the church is small, and the chance of being overheard is an issue, priests may (weather permitting) hear confessions outside. Care must be taken to keep crowds from forming. The Sacrament cannot be celebrated over electronic means (phone, internet, etc.). (3/18/20)

Q12. Are churches open for private prayer?

The times that a church is open for private prayer is up to the pastor. Having longer hours may help keep larger crowds from forming. Care must be taken to regularly clean and disinfect common surfaces throughout the day. One option may be to ask those visiting to wipe the area around where they sat before they leave. (3/18/20)

Q11. What about Communion outside of Mass?

A11. In addition to the principles of social distancing (increasing distances between persons, limiting the number of people gathered in any one place, and limiting the amount of time we spend with people), it is also important to remember that the primary reason for reservation is for Viaticum; and then, secondarily, for communion to the sick. Finally, it is important to ensure that Rite for Communion is celebrated properly, and the Sacrament treated with proper reverence and understanding. Keeping all these in mind:

1. Communion outside of Mass is to be celebrated only as Viaticum (for the dying) and in the context of ministry to the sick (1:1 pastoral care), using the proper Rites.
2. In order to protect the most vulnerable, regular communion visits to the homebound (whether in their own houses or in extended care facilities) are suspended. While individual ministry to the sick is permitted, routine communion visits to the hospital (“communion rounds” to multiple rooms) are suspended. Ministers are to respect the regulations established by healthcare facilities.
3. There are to be no communal celebrations of Communion outside of Mass, including in the celebration of Weddings and Funerals outside of Mass. (3/18/20)

Q10. Can we invite the priest to come over to our house and celebrate Mass?

A10. Masses in homes are not permitted. They certainly violate the principles of social distancing, but—more perniciously—create a sense of “favoritism” in a parish. (3/18/20)

Q9. What can you tell us about the rest of Lent for those in the RCIA? What about the Triduum?

A9. While the expectation is that all three Scrutines are to be celebrated, the Bishop has dispensed from two. If you were able to celebrate the First Scrutiny, before Masses were cancelled, then you are fine. If not, and if you will not be able to celebrate the Presentations, then – ideally – you just celebrate them before the Sacraments are celebrated, whenever that might be. If need be, the Bishop can authorize the celebration of Christian Initiation of Adults in Exceptional Circumstances, in individual cases, which allows for the omission of the (remaining) Scrutinies and Presentations (see RCIA #331ff). Should the need arise, don’t forget that there are rites for initiation in case of danger of death (RCIA #370ff).
The CDC called for significant social distancing to last eight weeks. So we can anticipate that there will be no public celebration of Holy Week or the Triduum. We need to ponder what it means to observe these most important days as a community that cannot gather together. (3/18/20)

ADDED 3/30/20: Here is a webinar from TeamRCIA, a conversation among those in RCIA minsitry about sharing ideas and encouraging one another! 

Q8. Now that public Masses have been cancelled, how will the Chrism Mass be celebrated? What about Confirmations?

A8. We are cancelling the public celebration of the Chrism Mass this year. The six deans and vicar general will gather with the Bishop to celebrate the Mass, the oils will be packed, and then sent with the deans back to the parishes.
At this point, Confirmations have been cancelled. The Bishop is considering a number of options for when we are able to celebrate together again: (1) giving pastors the faculty to Confirm the group of candidates who had to miss their scheduled Confirmation; (2) setting a new date for Confirmation with the Bishop; or (3) scheduling a deanery-wide or multi-parish celebration of the Sacrament. (3/18/20)

===AT THIS POINT, PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF THE MASS WAS SUSPENDED===

Q7. The Scrutinies are required as part of the Elect’s preparation for the Easter Sacraments. What can we do if we can’t celebrate them?

A7. First, in this time of public health concern, Bishop Zinkula has dispensed all Elect – if necessary - in the Diocese of Davenport from one scrutiny, or, “in extraordinary circumstances”, even from two, at the pastor’s discretion. (cf. RCIA 34, 331).

Second, here is a link to TeamRCIA’s video on the Scrutinies and Presentations during this time. (3/13/20)

Q6. What is happening regarding communion on the tongue?
 
Although the Vatican has ruled that Communion on the tongue cannot be denied, we have a moral responsibility to protect people – especially the most vulnerable – in the face of a pandemic. Therefore, while the option of receiving Communion on the tongue or in the hand remains that of the individual, it is requested that, out of charitable concern for those at risk of serious illness or death, communicants who are accustomed to receiving Communion on the tongue please receive the Host in the hand until the COVID-19 public health crisis has passed. For the sake of those who follow in the procession, immediately after distributing Communion on the tongue, the minister is to use hand sanitizer before distributing it to the next person in line. (3/12/20)

Q5. Should we change how we care for the linens (especially purificators and corporals) for Mass?

A5. If you are caring for the linens according to recommended practice (soaking in water, pouring the water into the sacrarium or ground, and then laundering normally), then no. As far as we know now, the recommended amount of chlorine in drinking water is enough to kill enveloped viruses like the ones that cause the flu and COVID-19 (though you would need to check with your local water company to make sure at what level they keep chlorine; the target is at least 0.5 ppm). Some add bleach to the water used for the initial soak, and that also helps disinfect. I would recommend doing so. Good hygeine on the part of the person caring for the linens is also important (wash hands, don't touch face, watch for splashing). The kind of rubber gloves used for dishwashing may be used. (3/12/20)  

Q4. Nothing has been mentioned about passing the offertory baskets?  Any suggestions?
Ours are wicker baskets; any suggestions on how to clean and disinfect them?  

A4: Part of our liturgical life includes the use of shared objects, such as collection baskets and books. As we have laid out our approach to infectious disease outbreaks, we do the least disruptive things first and then ask for more involved changes as things progress. In this case, we are at STEP TWO – so continuing to use collection baskets is permitted. You will want to use Lysol spray disinfectant or something similar on the baskets (make sure to follow product directions regarding how long the surface needs to be wet).
If we move to STEP THREE in the policy (not yet) then we will remove these common items from use. Parishes will need, for example, to use disposable worship aids rather than hymnals and place a basket or other receptacle at entrances for the collection rather than pass a basket. (3/11/20)

Q3. Do I have to go to Mass now that a pandemic has been declared?

A3: We need to remember that if it is not possible to come to Mass, we are dispensed of that obligation. Being ill, or caring for someone who is ill, and being at risk for serious disease if you do go to Mass (or of bringing that disease back home to a family member at risk) are all situations where you have no obligation to attend Mass. Join the Church in prayer from home by, for example, watching a televised Mass or reading the day’s Mass readings as a family.
If Masses have to be cancelled, then, of course, everyone is dispensed from the obligation. (3/11/20)

Q2. What should we be doing with our fonts and holy water stoups? What if we have an immersion font?

A2: We are advising the following at this point:
The viruses that cause the flu and COVID-19 are sensitive to chlorine. According to the latest information, if local drinking water is chlorinated at the recommended level (0.5 ppm), which is enough to kill these viruses. (Swimming pools keep the level at 1.0 ppm.)
Therefore, immersion fonts with circulating water are OK to use. Because these are frequently touched, the surfaces around an immersion font are to be cleaned and disinfected after each liturgy and at least daily.
Please check your systems to make sure that it includes a filter and that your local water is chlorinated to the proper level. If local water is not chlorinated to the recommended value, the system itself must have its own method of disinfection built in (chemical or UV light). If not, then the font should be emptied.
All other fonts and holy water stoups are to be emptied at this time. If a baptism is to be celebrated, fresh water is to be used and then the font emptied again. If parishes wish to make holy water available to their parishioners, then small bottles for individual use should be provided.
Should we receive different advice from public health authorities, we will pass it along. (3/11/20)

Q1: Are we cancelling Lenten communal penance services?

A1: Step Two of our policy does not call for the cancellation of liturgies, whether Mass or Communal Reconciliation. Public health authorities have not called for the blanket cancellation of such gatherings either.
At the same time, it is not required that a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Penance must be offered. Deaneries may instead choose, in these circumstances, simply to have an open time for individual Confession so people can come and go—or even to leave the celebration of the Sacrament up to individual parishes. Regardless of the option, make sure that tissues and hand-sanitizer are available, and that sufficient distance is kept between priest and penitent (at least 6’). Those who are ill should stay home.
Parishes should be preparing for the possibility that greater efforts at social distancing will be called for—including seating people further apart at Mass or even cancelling liturgies altogether (these are part of STEPS THREE and FOUR, which are NOT being implemented yet). (3/11/20)

Q1. How can we do faith formation now that we can’t be together?

A1. Parishes have come up with different ways to stay connected. Some use mailings and phone calls; others electronic platforms. We’ve posted a number of resources on our website:
>At Home Resources
>Faith Formation and Children
>Faith Formation and Families

(3/22/20)

Q2. Are there alternatives to holding our parish fish fry? These are important fundraisers for us, but we also don’t want to put people at risk.
 
A2. Perhaps thought should be given to turning the fish fry into a “carry-out” only event. That way, the parish still has its fundraiser but we avoid putting a lot of people into really close quarters!

Q1: What should we do at this point about social gatherings at church? What about hospitality (coffee and cookies) after Mass, or Lenten soup suppers? Fish fries?

A1: We are currently at STEP TWO in our policy. We are NOT moving to STEP THREE yet.
This is a rapidly changing situation; therefore, advice may also change with new information.
The current step in our pandemic policy does not call for an automatic cancellation of such gatherings, and public health authorities have not called for such. Of course, the usual precautions (the “Three C’s”) would apply: Cover, Clean, Contain.
Covering coughs appropriately, careful and regular handwashing, and staying home if you are sick are the most important steps that we can take. Those with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, trouble breathing, and the like) you stay home and call your health care provider for advice.
As in all occasions where food is served, safe handling practices must be followed: hand-washing, the use of gloves and serving utensils, keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold, etc.
At the same time, pastors need to make prudent decisions regarding their specific situations. Pastors may want to cancel such gatherings if:

1. They are not essential to parish life and can be postponed.
2. Most of the participants would be at “high-risk” for severe COVID-19 (the elderly and the medically-frail).
3. There would be more than 250 persons in attendance.
4. Participants would be in very close quarters (ideally, everyone should always be at least 6’ apart).

Even if not cancelling events at this time, parishes should be preparing to do so. (3/11/20)

The answers given here are for general information, and should not be construed as legal advice. In all cases, if expert legal advice is needed, an attorney or HR expert should be consulted.

Q1. How does the WHO's declaration that we are in a Pandemic change things?

A1. During a pandemic, employers can ask more detailed questions about the health of an employee and require certain work practices to be followed. Employers can even take an employee's temperature. Click here for more information. (3/11/20)