Regathering Update 9/25

Regathering updates (9/25)

UPDATES TO REGATHERING GUIDELINES (9/25)
 
We also pleased to announce the following new updates to our Regathering Guidelines:

• Outdoor weddings are allowed, provided your congregation is approved for outdoor worship and all current guidelines are followed. All present, including the wedding couple, must wear masks.
• A maximum of 50 people may attend outdoor religious gatherings in all counties except San Francisco.  San Francisco’s maximum is currently 12. Once the county lifts the cap (on 9/30), San Francisco may also allow up to 50 people outdoors. Please do not share food or drinks* at these gatherings with anyone outside your household. *Small snacks are allowed; Eucharist is currently not allowed at these gatherings.
• The Blessing of the Animals for the Feast of St. Francis is allowed outdoors. We offer this drive-by option, submitted by the Rev. Michael Barham, as a model. If you choose this approach, Bishop Marc encourages you to also offer a virtual Blessing of the Animals to ensure that all who would like to participate have access.

• The diocese continues to take a cautious approach to regathering. Expect updates to our guidelines to continue to lag approximately three weeks behind any county guideline changes.
• We recognize that congregations are eager to resume indoor worship; however, indoor gatherings are still not allowed.
• You must submit a plan to the diocese for any gathering that involves people outside of your stable worship team. That plan must be approved by the diocese and you must also speak with a member of the diocesan regathering team before proceeding. This is for the safety of your congregation and neighbors. 

*Click here for the Template Plan for Regathering. Plans should be sent to info@diocal.org.