Why do we make reservations to attend Mass on the weekends?
Many people have wondered why they are asked to make a reservation either by phone or online in order to attend one of our weekend Masses. Unfortunately, asking people to do this has inconvenienced some. There are some parishes where reservations are done at a minimum and people have said that they go to Masses at other churches because it is easier to do so.
WHY DO WE MAKE RESERVATIONS AT IC? The answer is simple: we continue to be most concerned about your health and safety.
We are likewise following the policies of the Diocese of Joliet that have asked us to do so. The action of letting us know which Mass you are attending helps us to provide a safe place for you at that particular liturgy. Because of social distancing, the number of people that can attend Masses both in our church and chapel are severely limited. We want to make sure that everyone can fit into their chosen location for Mass without worrying about if there will be a seat for them. Likewise, the contact tracing information that we receive is very important. We keep records for two weeks of attendance at each of our liturgies. If there was a need to contact anyone, it would be very easy to do so.
At the present time, some of our Masses are reaching capacity. We do not want to be in the situation to have to turn anyone away because they didn’t tell us ahead of time that they were coming to that Mass. Please help us to help you by letting us know what your plans are. We look forward to the days when we will no longer have to take such precautions. In the meantime, both your spiritual and physical health issues are of concerns to us.
If you have not yet started attending Mass on the weekends or during the week, we hope to see you there. Although many continue to participate over the livestream, there is a great advantage to attending in person. You will be able to not only participate in person, but also to receive Holy Communion.
WE MISS YOU! COME AND CELEBRATE MASS WITH US EVERY WEEKEND AT 4:30pm Saturday, 7:30am, 9am, and 11:30am on Sundays. To register, email
[email protected] or call 630-530-8515
Our regular weekend schedule is Saturday evening Vigil Mass at 4:30PM in Sacred Heart Chapel, Sunday Mass at 7:30AM in the church and at 9AM and 11:30AM in the Sacred Heart Chapel.
Due to the necessity of social distancing for health reasons, our seating will be limited. Those wishing to attend one of these Masses will require a reservation. You may call the parish office or simply email
[email protected]. We ask that all reservations be made by Friday at noon each week. Attendees will also be required to wear a mask throughout the Mass, except when consuming the Eucharist. There will be other procedural changes to safeguard your health, all of which are available below.
The following Guidelines will need to be followed:
Before you leave home:
· If you are 65 or older, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, please consider joining us via our live streaming service. If you have symptoms of any type of illness, please remain at home and be attentive to your health needs. The obligation for Mass attendance is still suspended and will remain so until further notice. Your health and safety is our primary concern.
· You will be required to wear a mask/face covering for the duration of our Mass.
· A reservation is required for attendance at Mass. Please contact the parish office at 630-530-8515 or email
[email protected] to secure seating. Your reservation MUST be confirmed by the office.
· Use the restroom before leaving the house. The facilities in the church or chapel must be sanitized after each use. We are striving to minimize their use.
When you arrive for Mass:
· Check in with a greeter at the check-in table.
· Enter only through the center front doors.
· Deposit your offering in the baskets provided.
· An usher will provide you with hand sanitizer.
· Take your place in the pew as directed by an usher.
· You may only share a pew with those people who live in your home, except in cases of single participants sitting at a social distance.
· Social distance will be maintained at all times.
During Mass:
· Do not change pews once you are seated.
· Wear your mask/face covering throughout Mass (except when receiving Holy Communion).
· No physical contact, except with members of your own household, during the sign of peace.
· No singing or use of hymnals will occur during the Mass, in an effort to minimize risk of contamination.
Receiving Holy Communion:
· The priest will approach each row for communion.
· When the usher approaches your pew, stand up.
· You will be given more hand sanitizer by the usher; please remember not to touch your face after this.
· Receive the Host in your hand ONLY.
· After the priest passes by you, remove the strap from one ear of your mask or face covering, letting it hang from the other ear and uncovering your mouth, consume the Host.
· Replace the mask over your mouth and nose.
· You may kneel or pray silently until the priest is finished with the congregation.
After Mass:
· Gather all personal items.
· Use only the proper exits, as directed by an usher.
· Do not congregate outside the doors or in the parking lots.
· Do not remove your mask until you have left the grounds.
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