UPDATED LITURGY GUIDELINES FOR THE DIOCESE OF SACRAMENTO

• Face masks for ministers of Holy Communion are no longer required, nor are they required for other moments of ministry that require proximity: anointing and pouring of water during the Rite of Baptism, the anointing during Confirmation, the imposition of hands for Absolution during Confession, etc... Those who prefer to wear a face mask during these moments of the liturgy should be encouraged to do so.

• Cotton swabs are no longer required for the anointing of the sick.

• Deacons, who are assisting in the celebration of the Holy Mass, may receive from the chalice again, given their union with the priest in offering the Sacrifice of the Mass, as directed by the GIRM (182).

• The offering of the chalice during the distribution of Holy Communion for the faithful is still suspended. I will assess this again in the spring of 2023.

• Please return to a regular use of your Altar Servers and Extraordinary Minsters of the Eucharist.

• Liturgy of the Word for Children may resume.

• The appropriate use and disposition of water during

  the rite of baptism are at the discretion of the pastor.

• The use of hand sanitizer and the frequent washing of hands is strongly encouraged.

  In conformity with guidance from federal public health di- rectives, the quarantine guidelines for clergy returning from international travel are not mandatory any longer, but strongly encouraged.

  In general, I continue to encourage clergy and the faithful to get vaccinated. All who prefer to use face masks during liturgy are encouraged to do so.

DON'T FEED THE PHISH!

The Diocese has received multiple reports from parishioners receiving emails from an imposter who creates an email address using the pastor’s name and then sends a phony email asking for money in the form of gift cards. Typically the scam is initiated when the parishioner receives a message with a subject like “Many Blessings” The body of the email is written something like “Good morning, how are you doing?” “I need a favor from you, email me as soon as you get this message. Then the email is signed with the pastor’s name.

This is an imposter’s email address. This type of social engineered attack is commonly referred to as “Phishing”.

DON’T FEED THE PHISH! Remember a pastor, or clergy member will never ask for gift cards electronically via email or text message. If you would like more information on how to protect yourself on the internet go to the SANS website and subscribe to the OUCH! Monthly newsletters.

If you believe you are a victim go to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. Website: https://www,ic3.gov/default.aspx. Questions? Contact Phil Deleon (916) 733-0299

You can download the letter to read by clicking on this LINK.