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).  

Q&A Summaries

Q3: Are there any recommendations about cleaning and disinfecting pews? I don’t want to damage them. (6/3/20)
A3: All surfaces should be cleaned (soap and water; let dry 5 minutes) and disinfected (using an approved disinfectant).
For wood pews, Sauder Manufacturing recommends using Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes EPA Reg. No. 5813-79 (active ingredient is quaternary ammonium) on their products. They note that alcohol (including the alcohol in hand sanitizer) can be damaging. Therefore, those using hand sanitizer need to be careful to let their hands dry completely before touching the pew. Before you select a product, make sure you test it on your surfaces. If possible, call the manufacturer for advice.
For upholstered pews, recommendations vary by manufacturer. Lysol Disinfectant Spray is often listed, as are bleach solutions, hydrogen peroxide and quaternary ammonium products. The best approach is to use a wipe or moistened towel on a section of the fabric; if the color of the fabric is transferred to the cloth, then it ought not be used. If possible, call the manufacturer for advice.
For more information, see the Sauder website. 

Q2: What should we be doing about our HVAC system? (6/3/20)
A2: Please see our HVAC guidance document. 
In summary, an enclosed building with limited ventilation to the outside makes transmission easier. Increasing the circulation of outdoor air as much as possible—by opening windows and doors—is recommended.
Make sure your HVAC is in good working order and, when first re-opening the building, make sure there is no problem with mold. If you can increase the percentage of outdoor air in your HVAC system, rather than recirculating it, do so as much as possible. Increase the filtration in your system as much as possible, and using other methods (such as UV in the ducts or portable HEPA fans/filters).

Q1: How can we host social gatherings or receptions at this time? (6/3/20)
A1: Parishes halls do not have the same resources that professional establishments have when it comes to maintaining the level of safety and hygiene needed during this pandemic. Therefore, during Step Two, no social gatherings or receptions are permitted indoors. If distances are maintained and masks worn, outdoor gatherings are permitted. However, no food may be served (households can bring their own food and drink). Once we get to Step Three, the same is allowed indoors, with social distancing and a time limit of 60 minutes.
 

Q5: Can an instrument (like a cotton ball) be used to anoint in Confirmation? (6/8/20)
A5: Before the pandemic, this wasn’t really a question. It was allowed in the Anointing of the Sick, but the thought was that in Confirmation actual touch (the “laying on of hands” which happens at the anointing) was required. Given this debate, the US Bishops formally asked the Vatican for an answer to this question (what is called a dubium). By a letter dated June 2, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has replied as follows: “The use by the minister of an instrument (gloves, cotton swab...), does not affect the validity of the Sacrament.” Our policy (which states no instrument is to be used) was written before getting this answer back. So, now, an instrument (like a cotton ball) may be used in Confirmation. A separate cotton ball should be used for each person being confirmed. The oil-soaked cotton balls are to be burned afterwards. The minister should use hand sanitizer before the rite, and again after washing any oil off his hands after the rite.

Q4: What are the seating limits in churches? (6/3/20)
A4: We are asking, in Step Two, that every third pew be used. There should be 6 feet between household groups in the same pew. When we get to Step Three, parishes can use every other pew. 

Q3: How does the pastor/usher prevent people from coming into Mass when the church is open but the allotted number is already present? What should happen if someone starts repeatedly coughing or sneezing? (6/3/20)
A3: These are important questions that each parish will need to figure out for themselves. Obviously, much depends on making sure that parishioners are well-informed regarding what is expected of them, and that staff and volunteers are well-prepared for their ministry. Some thoughts to consider:
No matter what reservation system you use, consider setting aside some pews for those who may arrive without having reserved a place; and ask those with reservations to be at church by 5 minutes before the start of the liturgy. Some churches ask those without reservations to wait, and then seat them if any spaces remain right before Mass begins.
Of course, once the limit is reached, you will need to turn people away. So far, in dioceses that have opened, this has not been an issue. But, if necessary, hospitality ministers should be prepared to deal with those refusing to leave as they would with any disturbance.
The same would apply to someone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. On the one hand, we ought not over-react; not every cough or sneeze is due to the virus! One would hope that parishioners would be mindful of their sisters and brothers and stay home if there was any concern. On the other, if someone appears to be ill, they should be attended to as any ill parishioner. In our policy, we recommend that each parish have a room or location where someone who has fallen ill may be safely isolated.

Q2: How is the communion procession envisioned? How is exiting the church envisioned? How will the collection be handled? (6/3/20)
A2: All these questions are answered in our policy.
Obviously, the final shape that a communion procession will take will depend on the shape and size of the church. Some things to consider: Dismissing people by pew, in order to keep six-foot distances. Placing the ministers so there is one-way traffic in aisles. Perhaps having ministers in the back of the church as well as in the front. Locating hand-sanitizer next to the minister in case it is needed.
Another option to consider, if the space between pews is wide enough, is to have the assembly stay in their places and the ministers move to them. They can then make their way to each communicant via the empty row in front of them. This may be easier in newer churches with wider spaces. Of course, ministers will need to carry hand sanitizer with them.
Dismissal at the end of Mass should also be by pew, beginning at the back. That will help keep proper distances between people and prevent groups “bunching up” by exits. Use as many exits as possible to ease traffic flow.
There is no collection, or procession with the bread and wine. It is preferred that monetary gifts be given electronically. Churches may consider placing a receptacle near entrances for donations, but be aware of the security concerns this raises

Q1: What part should music play as we re-open the churches for public worship? (6/3/20)
A1: As we first re-open the churches, singing (chanting) will not be permitted, either by a choir, a solo cantor, the assembly, or the presider. The prohibition is in place both to decrease the volume of respiratory droplets and aerosol created, and to keep the time together as short as possible. Instrumental music is allowed (except for brass and woodwinds).
What kind of instrumental music? Some have expressed a concern that if a familiar tune is chosen, some in the assembly may start to sing along. It is up to parishes to decide what is best (and possible) in their community. We don’t want to encourage singing, and we also want to make sure that the instrumental music does not prolong the liturgy.

SINGING IN STEPS 1 and 2
As Dr. Anthony Fauci mentioned in a recent interview with America magazine, singing at this point ought to be avoided. “When you sing, the amount of droplets and aerosol that come out is really, in some respects, scary.” And the distances these particle travel is much further.
Droplets and aerosols are the particles that we expel when we breathe, talk, cough or sneeze, and sing. The louder we are, the more particles we generate. Larger droplets tend to fall within six feet of us (though that’s not an absolute number; there’s no magic force field six feet away), and can be stopped (at least to some degree) by wearing a cloth face covering. One small study showed that these masks can stop the droplets we make when we talk; singing has not been studied. Aerosol particles are much smaller; so much so that we can breathe them directly into our lungs. Regular masks are not made to stop aerosols (though they may stop these smaller particles to some degree); that’s what N95 respirators are for.
In other words, our interventions work in layers. Don’t make more droplets/aerosols than you need (by breathing and talking), block them at their source as much as we can (wear a mask), and be together for as little time as possible.

SINGING IN STEP 3
According to the guidance that we’ve put together, if we get to Step Three (evidence that we are between waves), we begin to allow the use of a cantor to lead singing, with a few restrictions—all aimed at keeping the spread of the droplets and aerosols we make down:
First, we only sing the responses and acclamations; we avoid hymns, because they are longer. Please note that it is not intended that the cantor replace the community.
Second, we all still wear masks and sing softly. That limits the production of and the force with which we expel these particles.
Finally, a choir is not used and woodwinds and brass instruments are avoided because of the volume of particles they would generate. Any benefit they would bring are far outweighed by the risks.
Why these restrictions? Because even if there is no evidence that the virus is spreading widely in the community, it is still present. Singing is still a risk, especially when it comes to spread by aerosol.
The question of the degree to which aerosol spread plays a part in COVID-19 is still not fully understood. It may be that research will determine that it plays a small role, and that singing once there is no community spread would be a reasonable risk to take. Or we may find the opposite, in which case we will need to change our guidance. While research is leaning in the latter direction, we will have to wait and see.

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.

ADDED 4/15/20: How can we reeive the Divine Mercy Indulgence when we can't receive Communion or go to Confession?  

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)

ADDED 4/7/20: As the number of people with COVID-19 continues to rapidly rise in Iowa, we need to do more to help people maintain safe distancing recommendations to slow the spread of the virus.  Therefore, all church buildings in the Diocese are now to be closed to public access.

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! 

ADDED 4/7/20: What do RCIA teams do with the elect now that baptisms are postponed? (also from TeamRCIA).

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)

Q3. How can we do faith formation now that we can’t be together?

A3. 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 (3/22/20)
>At Home Resources
>Faith Formation and Children
>Faith Formation and Families

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)