COVID 19 Guidelines
Our Queen of Peace safety guidelines are in keeping with the most current guidance from civil and public health authorities and are in alignment with the bishops of Florida. Our procedures may be updated as we pass through different phases of recovery from the pandemic. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. It is crucial that we approach this next phase with patient, loving and charitable hearts.
If you are sick or part of a vulnerable group, we invite you to participate in one of online Masses or attend daily Mass. All are precious in God’s sight you are very dear to us! If you’re not ready to come back to church just yet we will continue to have online options or you might consider coming to a smaller gathering like one of our daily Masses.
Regardless of which method of participation is best for you at this time, thank you for continuing to pray, to serve, and to share. Thank you and God bless you!
Update: January 5, 2022
Message from Father Al:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
God is good – all the time!
I am so grateful for the expressions of concern and prayer I have received from Queen of Peace and our Gainesville area Catholic community at my diagnosis and early days of convalescence from COVID. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you for your continued prayers for all who have been impacted by the virus and those who work tirelessly to combat it.
We both will of course follow our doctor’s orders and keep you informed.
Jesus, we trust in you.
¡Dios es bueno todo el tiempo!
Estoy muy agradecido por las expresiones de preocupación y las oraciones que he recibido por parte de Queen of Peace y de nuestra comunidad Católica del área de Gainesville por mi diagnóstico y convalecencia por COVID. Gracias desde el fondo de mi corazón.
Padre Figi George, quien también está completamente vacunado y reforzado, dio positivo al COVID ayer. En mi diagnóstico el 31 de diciembre, Padre Figi comenzó cuarentena por precaución y nuestras misas del fin de semana fueron cubiertas por nuestros buenos amigos de Holy Faith y Holy Family, Williston.
Estamos agradecidos por la ayuda de nuestros hermanos sacerdotes de nuestra área. Estamos trabajando en la cobertura de las misas. La confesión y la adoración de hoy están canceladas.
Gracias por sus continuas oraciones para todos los que han sido afectados por el virus y para aquellos que trabajan incansablemente para combatirlo.
Por supuesto, ambos seguiremos las órdenes de nuestros médicos y los mantendremos informados.
Jesús, en ti confiamos.
Que Dios te bendiga y te guarde,
Update: August 18, 2021
Update to the COVID‐19 Safety Plan for Diocese of St. Augustine Effective August 21, 2021
Due to the alarming increase of COVID ‐19 cases and hospitalizations – the following guidelines are to be implemented for the Diocese of St. Augustine by August 16, 2021.
We encourage everyone who is eligible and with the consultation of their medical doctor to receive a vaccination. Those who are ill or have severe underlying health conditions are encouraged to participate in the Mass via live stream from the safety of their homes.
Social Distancing:
- Those with serious health conditions should consult their physician before attending gatherings where contact with others could put them at risk.
- Social distancing should be maintained and observed by all when possible. Family members may sit together.
Masks:
- Because not all members of our communities are vaccinated (for COVID‐19), and some people may have conditions that require them to use a mask (such as underlying medical conditions), it is strongly encouraged that all parishioners wear a mask during Mass.
- There should be no physical contact during the sign of peace.
It is recommended that Communion only be received in the hand. If Communion is administered on the tongue, those parishioners wishing to receive the Eucharist on the tongue should wait until the end of the Communion line.
Update: May 15, 2021
In keeping with CDC and Diocesan guidelines, wearing masks when when indoors is recommended. Do not put masks on children younger than two years old. Baptismal fonts are in operation and Holy Water is available. Hand sanitizer is provided and recommended. All other Diocesan protocols remain in place.
1. Wash Your Hands
Before you leave for Mass, please wash your hands with soap and water and bring your own hand sanitizer to use before and during Mass.
2. Wear a Mask, Face Covering or Face Shield
Everyone age 7 and above will need to wear a mask, face-covering or face shield. Please put your mask on before exiting your car and wear it at all times.
3. Remain in Your Car
Please remain in your car until the church doors open 15 minutes before Mass. Only the front doors of the church will be used for entry. This allows for complete cleaning and sanitizing of the pews and chairs prior to each Mass.
4. Once Inside the Church
You’ll see that alternating pews have been cordoned off. In order to provide the required distancing, ushers will seat people in every other pew. You and your family will be seated in the first available pew, beginning from the front of the church to the back.
5. Seating by Ushers
You’ll see that alternating pews have been cordoned off. In order to provide the required distancing, ushers will seat people in every other pew. You and your family will be seated in the first available pew, beginning from the front of the church to the back. Depending on the location in the church, you may be sharing a pew with another family or individual. Please sit in an area marked with an X. Thank you for understanding we cannot accommodate requests for seating in a particular area.
6. Proceeding with the Mass
The Mass will proceed as normal, with a few modifications. Before, during or after Mass, there should be no physical contact with anyone outside of your family. At the sign of peace, you are encouraged to offer an appropriate no-contact gesture; please do not shake hands. We also ask that you please do not hold hands during the Our Father.
7. Your Offering
8. Holy Communion
- Holy Communion will be distributed in the form of the host and will be received in the hand only. Out of care and concern for ministers and communicants, the reception of Holy Communion on the tongue is temporarily suspended during this difficult time.
- All will be able to receive Holy Communion and if you are unable to come forward to receive, Eucharist will be brought to you.
- Masks must be worn while moving to and from Communion; they should only be removed to consume the host. Gloves are not required to attend Mass but, if they are worn, they must be removed to receive Communion in the hand.
9. Leaving Mass
At the conclusion of Mass, please do not linger outside the Church, in the parking lots, or any areas on campus.