Below is a script of what you might say when calling parishioners to return to Mass after the general dispensation expires. You may adapt the script to best suit your parish and community.
Download the script here.
INTRODUCTION
Hello this is NAME, from PARISH in CITY. I am calling on behalf of Father NAME and the PARISH staff to see how you’re doing lately? Fr. NAME misses getting to see all of our faces together and we wanted to check in with you.
How are you? Is there anything PARISH can help you with?
I want to thank you for being a member of PARISH and share my hope that you’re getting ready for a great Lent!
TRANSITION
I have started going back to Mass, and I wondered if you had any questions about the latest update on the dispensation. Have you heard what’s going on?
END OF DISPENSATION
For those of us who don’t fall into any high-risk categories, the dispensation expires on March 13. This applies to anyone who is still attending Mass remotely but has otherwise started to engage in other activities that would present a similar or greater risk of exposure, like eating out at restaurants, traveling, going shopping for non-essential items, and widening one’s circle of contacts. These individuals should prepare to return to Mass in recognition of its preeminence in our lives as Catholics.
PARISH PRECAUTIONS
Luckily, at PARISH, we have been taking some serious precautions, like LIST (social distancing, capacity, masks use, hand sanitizer, etc. -- whatever precautions your parish has implemented), and I have been very comfortable since I’ve been back. Our current Mass schedule is LIST MASS TIMES.
AT-RISK AND STILL DISPENSED
If you are at risk or are concerned about others that you are in contact with who may be at risk, then you are still dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass. More information about this is available at aod.org/emergencyresponse. If you have any questions, I would be happy to let Father NAME know so he can help guide you.
PRAYER
Is there anything that you would like me to pray for? *Pray with them right then*
[Make the Sign of the Cross] Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and all of the blessings that you have given us. We thank you for those on the front lines of the fight of the virus, the doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store workers, gas station employees, and all others that are considered critical. We thank you for their courage and ask for their wisdom and patience to avoid the sickness as they minister to others. We pray for those that are sick and those that are caring for the sick, and we pray for the souls of those who have died. We ask for you to perform miracles to put an end to this pandemic and to lead more people to you. We pray especially for THEIR INTENTION HERE. We thank you for Father NAME and thank you for opening back up all of the churches so we can once again participate in the Mass and meet you personally in the Eucharist. All this we ask this in your name. Amen.
CLOSING
Thank you for your time, and I hope you are staying safe and healthy. If you need anything at all, please call me at PHONE NUMBER.
If you have more questions about the particular dispensations or how the archdiocese of making a safe return to Mass, you can visit aod.org/comehometohope.
God bless you, and have a great Lent!
OTHER ITEMS
If you want to do more, lead them to your website or capture their email address. Direct them to your Facebook account, and email this person links to your parish’s website and social media. You may also ask if they want to be added to an email list that receives the Unleash the Gospel, Detroit Catholic, and/or Archdiocese of Detroit newsletters.
Do not ask or bring it up, but if they ask about money, say the following: “The Church, like most organizations, is hurting, and if you are in a financial position to donate it would be appreciated. Because of our limited funds, we have had to make some changes to ensure that we may concentrate on our critical mission. Any continued giving is greatly appreciated, as are prayers that the Church may make the right decisions with the funding we receive.
