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A Discussion on Sacrament Preparation for the Fall COVID-19 CONDITIONS
A Discussion on Sacrament Preparation for the Fall
COVID-19CONDITIONS
PrayerAll-holy Father, eternal God, in your goodness you prepared a royal throne for your Wisdom in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary; bathe your Church in the radiance of your life-giving Word, that, pressing forward on its pilgrim way in the light of your truth, it may come to the joy of a perfect knowledge of your love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Topics
• ProjectingAPossibleScenariofortheFall• FirstReconciliationPreparation• BaptismPreparation• BestPracticesonInitiationProcedures
Projecting a Possible Scenario for the Fall
Datacollectedfrom59outof68parishes.
Projecting a Possible Scenario for the Fall• TheexperienceofCatholicSchoolsinSeptemberwillprovideuswithsomeinformationon• Thelevelofconfidenceofparentsinregainingasenseofnormalcy
• ThemanagementandadministrationexperienceoftheschoolsdealingwithCOVID-19
• Thepossibleopportunitiestocollaborate/partnerwiththeschools
• Theschools’useoftechnologytoovercomebarriers• TheexperienceofCatholicFamilyServiceintheirRapidAssessCounsellingandMarriagePreparationprogramprovidesaglimpseofthesuccessofvideochattechnologiesinovercomingbarriersrelatedtoCOVID-19
Projecting a Possible Scenario for the Fall• Astotheformat,wemustaccommodatetothevariouslevelsofconfidenceofparents/families• Asmuchaspossible,weshouldsimplifyandstreamlineprocesses• WeshouldhelpfamilieseasetheirwaybacktotheChurchthroughvariousmeanswheretheyfeelsafe.
Projecting a Possible Scenario for the Fall• FamilyRealities• Workfromhome(advantages&disadvantages)• Essentialserviceworkersandprofessionals• Unemployment• Homeswithhealthyrelationships• Unhealthy,toxichomes• Abusiverelationships• Addictions• Thedesiretoreturntotheformernormal• Nodesiretoreturntotheformernormalastheypreferwhattheyrealizeabouttheirlifenow
Proposed Schedule 2020 2021
June July August September October November December January February March April May
FIRS
T EU
CHAR
IST
Bishop discusses possible path for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation with the Presbyteral Council. Pathway for recalling parish staff
Discernment of readiness for First Eucharist First Eucharist Retreat
First Eucharist Celebrations
First Eucharist Sessions 1-4
First Eucharist Sessions 1-4
First Eucharist Retreat First Eucharist Celebrations
First Eucharist Celebrations
CON
FIRM
ATIO
N Discernment of
readiness for Confirmation Confirmation Retreat
Confirmation Retreat Celebration of Confirmation
Confirmation Registration
Confirmation Registration
Catechetical Sessions
Catechetical Sessions
Catechetical Sessions Celebration of Confirmation
Celebration of Confirmation
FIRS
T RE
CON
CILI
ATIO
N First Reconciliation
Parents Orientation Sessions First Reconciliation Sessions 1-4 First Reconciliation Retreat
First Reconciliation Sessions 1-4 First Reconciliation Retreat
Celebration of First Reconciliation
RCIA
Ex
alta
tion
of th
e Cr
oss
MO
NDA
Y
Presentation of the Creed Weekday prior to August 30 Scrutiny III Sunday, August 30
Preparatory Rites including Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer Sunday, September 13, evening retreat Christian Initiation Monday, September 14, Exaltation of the Cross
RCIA
So
lem
nity
of A
ll Sa
ints
SU
NDA
Y
Presentation of the Creed Weekday prior to October 25
Scrutiny III Sunday, October 25 Preparatory Rites including Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer Sunday, October 31
Christian Initiation Sunday, November 1 Solemnity of All Saints
Sacrament Preparation 2020-2021
First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation
• FourSessions• 2Chapterspersession• Doawaywiththeretreat
• Format• Parentsteachtheirchildrenathome• Parish/DiocesesimplifythesessionsforparentsviaZoomcoachingsessions
• Highlightkeylessonsineachchapter• 2-3keylessonsperchapter• Makeachecklistofthesekeylessonswithpagenumbers
• TwoStreamsforcoaching• Largeparishescanruntheirownsessionsiftheychooseto• Diocese-widesessionsavailableforsmallerparishes
• BePatient• 10minutesbeforethestartofConfessions,offerarefreshertothechildrengatheredinthechurch
• BereadytoprovideguidanceduringthecelebrationoftheSacrament
Baptism Preparation
Baptism Preparation
• Streamlineorsimplify• Hybridversion(material+videosand/orZoom)• OrOnlineOptionOnly• AscensionPress“Belonging”onlineBaptismpreparation
Questions
Best Practices
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
INITIAL STEPS• Total Registered (252)• Withdrawn before covid due to lack of preparation (27)• Total people contacted for Communion celebrations: (226)• Completed First Holy Communion (161)
• Appoint key person to lead process (volunteer)-Establish procedure for First Holy Communion Celebration
• Review Church Calendar for potential dates (9 celebrations)July 10, 28, 29, 30 & 31 @ 5pm; August 15 @ 9am; 11am & 1 pm; August 18 @ 5pm
• Appoint First Holy Communion Lead- Develop spreadsheet (sample is available)- Communicate with Parents via email- Provide spreadsheet with available dates and times- Provide clear instructions for incoming calls
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS (3 TIMES)
1) Initial email regarding the dates and registration
2) 2nd email to the parents confirming the date and some protocols along with retreat material
3) 24 hours prior explaining what to expect upon arrival and also AHS list of people that are attending
•Appoint Volunteer Lead
- Obtain volunteers
- Assign positions: Safety Coordinator (1); Registration desk (2); Point of Entry (2); Ushers in Narthex (2); Sanitizing (4)
- Email volunteer schedule with responsibilities and expectations (sample is available)
- Schedule Safety Coordinator Training
- Training - 15 Minutes prior to opening the doors
- Debriefing after each Mass
VOLUNTEERS
POSITIONS1. Point of Entry (2)
•Parents and guests to read AHS self-assessment questionnaire.•Request AHS contact list for registration desk.
2. Registration Desk (2)•Confirm child’s name on registration list.•Double check child, parent and guests to AHS Contact list.•Confirm AHS contact list received.•Manually enter the names of the people attending if AHS contact form is not provided.
3. Narthex Usher (2)•Distribute masks if required.•Ensure physical distancing is maintained.•Reminder that silence is to be observed in the Sanctuary.•Guide the people to the Sanctuary for seating.
4. Sanctuary Usher (2) •Guide families to the pews.•Ensure child is sitting at the end of the pew.•Guide adults to Communion line.•Guide child back to their seat after the family exists the pews to go to Communion.•Guide adults to areas to consume Holy Communion.•Ensure Holy Communion is consumed.
DAY OF CELEBRATION1. 15 minutes prior to opening the doors - briefing by the Pastor to volunteers.
2. Open the doors one hour prior to the Celebration.
3. Registration Processo All volunteers to go to their respective places an hour before the celebration.o Risk Assessment questions to be asked of all attendees.o AHS contract tracing - Registration sheets to be crossed checked with attendees.o Reminder for silence in the Sanctuary.o Ushers to seat one family per pew (maximum 8).o First Holy Communion child to sit at end of the pew.
Celebration
•15 minutes prior to Mass Pastor provide instruction to children and parents on:•How to receive Communion - on hand, masks, handling.•Priest to serve Communion to children first - then parents.•Children to stay in the pew - Priest will come to them and serve Communion.•After receiving Communion with mask on, the Ushers will guide them to come out of the pew to stand at
the side of the blocked-off pew.•The Priest returns to the front of the church. •Ushers then guide the Parents for Communion.•The Children are to return to their pew once the adults have left the pew.
SEATING ARRANGEMENT
PICTURES
•Groups of 6 children and Priests are called on to the steps - 6 ft. apart on the Altar steps (they can remove the mask for pictures)
•Parents encouraged to move around to take pictures as long as physical distancing is maintained
• 2 - 3 minutes per group
•Usher to assist each group with exiting the Church as soon they are finished with their allotted time.
RCIA
Sacramental Preparation Volunteer Screening
HUMANRESOURCESOFFICE
August 19, 2020
Volunteer – 10 Step Screening Process1. ConductaRiskAssessmentofvolunteerpositions2. DevelopPositionDescriptionsforallvolunteerroles3-6Establisharecruitmentprocessthatincludes: -VolunteerApplicationForm -AgreementtoModelCodeofConduct -Interview -ReferenceChecks7.ConductVolunteerSectorPoliceInformationCheck(VSPIC)8. Orientation&AbusePreventionTraining9. Supervision&EvaluationoftheVolunteer10. ParticipantFollow-up
Assessment – High Risk/High Trust
1. Volunteerswhoparticipateinministriesinvolvingon-going,intensiveorone-on-oneinteractionwithminorsorvulnerableadults
2. Volunteerswhoareinapositiontoexertinfluenceovervulnerablepeopleandthosewhohaveaccesstoconfidentialrecords,moneyandthephysicalpremisesoftheparish.
Position Descriptions
• DevelopedforSacramentalPreparationvolunteerroles• AvailableontheDiocesewebsite:• SacramentalPreparationCoordinator• SacramentalPreparationTeamMember
• Reviewthepositiondescriptionandamendedasappropriateforyourparish(contactHR)• Reviewscreeningrequirementslistedonthedescription
Volunteer Information/Application Form• Allvolunteersrequiredtocomplete• ThoseinHighRisk/HighTrustrolesmustinclude3references• AllowsyoutocreatequestionsthatwillprovidespecificanddetailedinformationaboutthecandidateExamples:• Whathavetheybeendoingoverthepastfiveyears• Gapsinpreviousemployment• Reasonforleavingemployers/volunteerroles• Experienceworkingwithchildren
Interviewing Volunteers • Clarifywhattheresponsibilitiesoftheroleare• Ensurethatthevolunteerfitstheposition–skillsandabilitiesaswellasdesire• Interviewsforpositionsworkingwithminorsmustincludequestionsthat:• Revealtheapplicant’smotivationforworkingatachild-servingorganization
• Demonstratehowthecandidatesetsappropriateboundarieswithchildren,whattheyconsiderappropriateboundariesandhowtheyinteractwithchildren
• Askabouttheirunderstandingofchildsexualabuseandwhatneedstobedonetopreventiffromoccurringinchild-servingorganizations.
• Situationalandbehaviouralquestions• Whatwouldyoudoif…?• Provideanexampleof…
Reference Checking• CompletedforallpositionsidentifiedasMediumRisk/TrustandHighRisk/Trust,withoutexception• Shouldbe:• Verifyifinformationprovidedbythevolunteerisaccurate• Identifyanyweaknessesintheperformancehistory• Fillinanygapsinwhatthevolunteerhassaid• Highlighttheapplicant’spreviousorcurrentposition(s)andidentifytheirsuitabilitytobeincontactwithchildrenorinapositionoftrustwithchildren
• Captureifthereisanyreasonwhytheyapplicantshouldnotbehiredtoworkwithchildren
Agreement to Model Code of Conduct
• Providesthestandardsofbehaviourwhenengagingwithothers–adults,children,vulnerableadults• Currentlyreviewingandrevising
Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check (VSPIC)• Conductedatthefinalstagesofthescreeningprocess• VSPICrequiredforallMediumRisk/TrustandHighRisk/Trustpositions,withoutexception• MustbeprovidedifavolunteerismovingfromaLowRisk/TrustroleintoaMediumorHighRisk/Trustrole,regardlessofhowlongtheyhavebeenvolunteeringintheparish• ObtainedeitherthrulocallawenforcementagencyorthroughCalgaryPoliceServicesonlineservice(ePIC)• ParishesareabletosetuptheirownaccountinePIC
VSPIC’s continued• Volunteerrequiresletterfromtheparishthatincludestheirnameandthevolunteerroletheywillbefilling
• Parishreimbursesthevolunteerthecostofobtainingthepolicecheckonsubmissionofareceipt
• TheDiocesereimbursesparishesthecostofvolunteerpolicechecks(done2xsperyearinJulyforJanuary-JunevolunteersandDecemberforJuly-Decembervolunteers.AninvoicefromtheparishwillreceiptsattachedcanbesubmittedtotheHumanResourcesoffice
• VSPICmustbeobtainedpriortoanyvolunteerbeginningintheirroleiftheywillbeworkingwithvulnerablepeoplebeginsintheirrole
• AnupdatedVSPICisrequiredeveryfive(5)years• VSPICcannotbesharedamongparisheswithoutthewrittenconsentoftheindividual(i.e.oneparishgivingacopytoanotherparish).ThedatethattheVSPICwascompletedcanbeshared.
Orientation
• Orientation• Reviewofthepositiondescription• ReviewoftheDioceseModelCodeofConductandAgreementtoModelCodeofConduct(highlightedareasspecifictothevolunteer)
• Reviewofrelevantsectionsthatapplytothevolunteerrole-VolunteerPolicies,Procedures&ScreeningManual(beingrevised)
• WorkingwithChildrenandVulnerableAdultsStandardsandBehavioursGuidebook(beingdeveloped)
Praesidium Sexual Abuse Prevention• CommonlyreferredtoasArmatus(onlinetrainingsystem)• 4RequiredModules
• ItHappenedToMe• MeetSam• KeepingyourChurchSafe• YourPolicies(reviewoftheModelCode)
• AdditionalModulesforindividualsworkingwithvulnerablepersons(under18yearsofage)• DutytoReportMandatedReporter• Bullying• SocialMedia
Group Training
• CalledToProtectoFacilitatedtrainingworkshop(1½-2hours)oReplacedneedtocompletefourrequiredmodules
• C.A.S.E.(CreatingASafeEnvironment)oReplacesCalledtoProtectoFacilitatedtrainingworkshop(1½-2hours)oBeginninginSeptember(?)
o VirtualTrainingo InPerson
Reporting
ExcelSpreadsheet:• VolunteersName• VolunteerRole• VSPICobtained;date• Active/Inactive
Diocesewebsite:Ministries>Finance&Admin.>VolunteerScreening• PositionDescriptions• EmployeeInformationForm• InterviewQuestions• ReferenceChecks
CallHumanResources:• Armatussystemset-up(newvolunteers)• ePic
Resources Available
Questions
Contact Us
Fr. Wilbert 403-218-5529
