Dear Sacred Heart Family,

On June 15th, the California Department of Public Health provided updated guidance pertaining to state and county regulations. In response to the latest news, the bishops met and consulted with the Executive Board of the Presbyteral Council and the Board of Deans to further discuss the lifting of restrictions in the Diocese of San Diego. In a letter to all priests, Bishop McElroy provided the following update:

1. All the restrictions on capacity and spacing for worship and all limitations on meetings and social activities are lifted as of June 17, 2021.
2. Masks will be optional. No one is to ask whether someone has been vaccinated or not. “Please don’t judge others. If I stop judging others, I free myself from being judged and I can dance!” Patti Digh
3. Distribution of the Eucharist may again be received on the tongue or will continue to be available in the hand.
4. The reintroduction of the shared cup will be determined sometime in the future.
5. Alterations in liturgical spaces and practices necessitated by the pandemic can now cease at the discretion of the pastor. This includes filling the fonts.
6. It is recommended that non-family members bringing Eucharist to the sick should be vaccinated.
7. We no longer will video / live stream outside Masses as of July 1st.

The dispensation from the normal obligation to attend Sunday Mass will end on July 1st. We are grateful for this update as we plan for the full reopening of our catechetical ministries and activities this summer and fall. Particularly, we are grateful to our dedicated staff and volunteers for navigating this past year with all its uncertainties and changes with astounding faith and grace.