CV NEWS FEED // The Archdiocese of Chicago announced Friday that some Catholics may now enter parish churches without wearing masks, but only if they show proof of full vaccination.
Parishes have the option to “allow fully vaccinated individuals to refrain from wearing masks,” read an official statement from the Archdiocese (emphasis theirs), “as long as they bring proof of vaccination and the parish’s greeter/hospitality team has the capacity to validate attendees’ vaccination status.”
A “picture of the vaccination card on the parishioner’s phone will suffice,” the Archdiocese stated.
The Archdiocese also permitted parishes to choose a second “option:”
continue to require masks for all attendees at Masses and liturgies until we reach Phase 5 (at which time it is expected that all mask mandates will be lifted). This option is best if a parish does not have a sufficiently staffed, dedicated greeter team to assume the added responsibility of validating attendees’ vaccination status.
“Additionally,” the statement said, “registration for Mass and liturgies must continue” until State and City officials lift mandates.
The statement applied similar rules to other parts of Archdiocesan properties such as offices, permitting Church employees to either allow “fully vaccinated individuals to refrain from wearing masks if written verification of vaccination status is provided” or continue to require masks for all.
The Archdiocese of Chicago also provided a set of stricter rules for the Catholic schools it oversees. “Wearing masks will continue to be required of all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in all archdiocesan schools and at all archdiocesan school events, whether indoor or outdoor, through the remainder of the school year,” the statement said.