Coronavirus

Updated 8/25/2021
St. Laurence requires masks to be worn while indoors for all children in the Elementary Faith Formation (CCE) and Clubhouse 10:14 preschool program. This will include all children (PK3—5th grade), catechists, staff members, volunteers, parents and visitors in these two programs. We want to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible and these children are our most vulnerable population at this time. We believe this to be a temporary measure, and we will continue to monitor the status of COVID and variants and adjust these guidelines as conditions warrant. We are grateful for your understanding and cooperation with this directive as we continue to navigate this pandemic.
 

Updated 9/15/2021

St. Laurence will facilitate social distancing protocols in the Ave Maria Parish Life Center to the greatest extent possible. Staff members and volunteers will model and encourage social distancing when possible in the common areas. Social distancing will not be possible in the classrooms, so wearing masks will be encouraged.

Due to the circulating and highly contagious Delta variant, CDC recommends universal indoor masking by all children (age 2 and older), staff members, teachers and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.  We strongly encourage catechists, volunteers and children to wear masks whether they are vaccinated or not.  Face coverings protect individuals from getting and transmitting COVID-19. Hand sanitizer will be available in every classroom.

Each family must choose what is best for their children/youth. There will be no virtual learning option this year. For those with health concerns we do offer a robust Home Study program for PK3-12th graders.

Safely reopening and offering in person sessions requires the cooperation of everyone involved. All decisions are made with the best information and inspiration at the time.  COVID-19 is a novel virus and we will continue to be obedient to directives from our bishop for the common good. These measures will be reviewed and updated to comply with any protocols issued by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Updated May 20, 2021
Updated COVID Safety Protocols at St. Laurence

On May 19, 2021, Cardinal DiNardo announced new  COVID-19 pandemic protocols for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, effective on the Vigil of Pentecost. Additionally, our priests received separate correspondence from the Cardinal with more detailed protocols that must be followed by all parishes. 

The following summarizes the key points from both documents, so you know what to expect as you return to Mass at St. Laurence:

CAPACITY & DISTANCING

• Church is 100% capacity
• Enter thru any door (no counters at the door)
• Tape removed from pews; no distancing required
• Calming Rooms reopened and available for families

MASKS

• Masks are not required, but are encouraged
• All Ministers of Holy Communion will wear masks when serving

COMMUNION

• Communion may be received on the tongue or in the hand
• Communion will not be distributed from the Chalice

SANITIZING

• Sanitizing is no longer required after every Mass
• Hand sanitizer will continue to be available

OFFERTORY

• Offertory baskets will be passed in the pews
• Families will be invited to participate in the Offertory procession

WORSHIP AIDS

• Hymnals returned to the pews

SUNDAY OBLIGATION

• The obligation to attend Mass remains dispensed at this time
• We will continue to record and post the Vigil Mass each week

ADDITIONAL POINTS

• For now, no holy water is allowed in the baptismal font
• Confessionals are reopened
• All previous capacity, distancing, mask and sanitizing protocols are suspended for other parts of the parish campus, including the chapel, offices and meeting rooms

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Mass and the restoration of the vibrant parish life that our parish has always enjoyed. As we move forward with grateful hearts, let us keep in our prayers all those who guided us through these most difficult months and those who have suffered the loss of loved ones.

Safely reopening a parish of this size is quite complex and requires the cooperation of everyone involved: clergy, staff, and all the great people who make up our parish.  All decisions are made with the best information and inspiration at the time.  COVID-19 is a novel virus and we will continue to be obedient to directives from our bishop for the common good. 

Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, adaptability and patience.
St. Laurence, pray for us!