St. Patrick Church, Chatham, will reopen on June 13, 2020. At that time, public liturgies, including the sacraments, such as Baptism and Matrimony, funerals and Memorial Masses for those who have died during the pandemic may be celebrated. The parish will follow the mandates and guidelines set forth by the State of New Jersey and the Diocese of Paterson. These guidelines are not suggestions. They are, for the meantime, particular law of the Diocese of Paterson. Therefore, these matters require adherence by all parishes and religious communities where the sacred liturgy is celebrated.  Attendance at Mass in the Church will be limited and on a 'first-come, first-served" basis.  Please keep the following in mind prior to signing up for a weekend Mass:

1.  Remember that dispensation from the obligation to participate in Sunday and Holy Day Masses remains in effect until further notice. We will continue to live stream Masses at the 5 pm Saturday night vigil and Sunday 10 am Masses.  Visit our website HOME page to connect to the live stream or our YouTube channel at St. Patrick Parish Chatham.

2.  Those who are vulnerable to the coronavirus, those 60 years of age and older, and those with one or several underlying medical conditions should follow Mass at home via live stream until all restrictions are removed.

3.  A person with a cough, fever or not feeling well in general should stay home to protect the health of others.

1.  There will be no choirs at any Masses. Singing is discouraged in general as it may increase the risk of viral spread. The parts of the Mass such as the Gloria, Gospel Acclamation, etc., will be recited instead of sung.

2.  There will be no altar servers assisting at this time. All liturgical ministers should maintain a 6-foot distance from the priest and from each other.  All liturgical ministers must wear a mask. The lector only removes the mask once they have reached the ambo and then replace the mask when finished the reading. Cantors will wear masks when not singing. 

3.  There will be no offertory procession. Collection baskets are available at the main entrance. Please place donations in the receptable on your way into the church, prior to the start of Mass. Please continue to use our parish's electronic Online Giving or donate through our website here.

4.  The Exchange of Peace is to be shared without contact. Please give a simple bow or wave to those closest to you.

5.  Reception of the Eucharist:
     a.  Social distancing should be maintained when you approach to receive the Eucharist . Please allow 6-feet between each person in line. Use your hand sanitizer before and after the reception of the Eucharist.
     b.  Follow the direction of the Hospitality Minister.  Instead of the main, middle aisle, the line for the reception of the Eucharist will be the side aisles, against the wall. You will be directed by the Hospitality Minister to exit your pew via the side aisle allowing for 6 feet between people. Two clergy members will be stationed in front of the steps to the sanctuary space, one on each side. Follow the procedures for receiving Communion. Go back to your pew via the main aisle.
     c.  Please remember, only the host will be distributed at every Mass by one of our priests or deacons. The distribution of the Precious Blood from the chalice is discontinued for the foreseeable future. The Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ is received under either species.
     d.  When the communicant reaches the priest or deacon, WITH YOUR MASK ON, make a small bow of your head, receive the Body of Christ in your hand, step to the side, lift your mask, consume the Body of Christ, PUT YOUR MASK BACK ON and then return to your seat or leave the church following the direction of the hospitality minister. 
     e.  If a communicant has any contact with the priest or deacon, he will immediately stop dispensing the Eucharist and use hand sanitzer prior to resuming distribution.
     f.  If you will not be receiving the Eucharist, we ask that you line up and follow the person ahead of you while maintaining the proper social distance. We are requesting all get up from the pew and enter the reception line for the Eucharist to prevent others from climbing over those not receiving the Sacrament. If you choose not to receive, simply cross your arms across your chest, bow and follow the person in line ahead of you back to your pew. or through the exit.
     g.  For those not receiving the Body of Christ, we invite you to make an Act of Spiritual Communion.

  O My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into  my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

1.  There will be no paper in the church at any time. This means all hymnals and missals are removed and worship aids will not be printed. 

2.  There will be no offertory. Please drop your donations into the receptacle in the narthex (church lobby) when you enter or exit the building.

3.  For the health of our parish community, Holy Water fonts and the baptismal font will be empty. Please refrain from touching any of the fonts.

4.  The balcony and children's cry room will be closed until further notice.

Whether you are celebrating Mass in the Church or following via our live stream,
we are One in Christ!

St. Patrick Parish is United in Faith!
Active, Connected, Enriching