Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish 

Dear parishioners of St Andrew the Apostle,
 

Please take a moment to read the informational guidelines from Bishop David Zubik as implement the guidelines of COVID restrictions.

In a continuing effort to support you as you serve our faithful, I am writing to advise you of exciting updates to our diocesan COVID directives.  We know that people have been longing for spiritual healthcare and the healing power of Jesus.  Let us begin to welcome even more people back to celebrate Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion. Given Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s announcement of May 4, 2021 regarding changes to COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the state, all Diocese of Pittsburgh churches may be open at 100% seating capacity. Parishes must still follow local, state and federal guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing protocols, which currently advise that buildings should be cleaned. Given that health departments are reporting that the numbers of those vaccinated are not where they want them to be, in a continued interest to protect the health of the faithful, you are not allowed to offer each other a sign of peace.

Finally, following the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most settings.  The state of Pennsylvania has adopted these recommendations effective immediately. Therefore, in continued alignment with local, state, and federal health guidelines, effective immediately, the fully vaccinated may attend Diocese of Pittsburgh Masses and all gatherings on parish property without wearing a mask. “Fully vaccinated” is defined as being 2 weeks after a second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.  People who don’t meet those requirements are not considered fully vaccinated and must keep taking all precautions.

 
Here is a link to the most recent CDC guidance for the fully vaccinated:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

Effective as of May 14th, the wearing of mask will become optional for those who have been fully vaccinated. For those wanting to remain very cautious of sitting next to someone unmasked or those not yet being fully vaccinated, we are designating sections at each site for these situations.

At our Monongahela site, the entire front left section of the church in front of the Ambo or piano area.

At our Donora site the choir area behind the organist.

And at our Charleroi site the front side of the church near the Tabernacle and the Holy Family Shrine.

Again, please keep in mind these reserved sections are for those wanting to remain very cautious or those who are not yet fully vaccinated. Yet please know anyone can sit in these areas but we want to offer one area that people are comfortable to attend the Liturgy. Please be respectful of those who may still wear their masks.
 
Any questions please see the porters as you enter the church for direction.