In thinking about how we will proceed, concerned parishioners have asked some pertinent questions. Here are our honest answers as we reopen Holy Name in East Nashville for public Masses. It may not be perfect but your feedback will always be appreciated. Thank you for your help as we move on slowly but safely and surely. - Fr. Theo
Virtual Tour of Church Precautions is at the end of these FAQ's...
1.) What number of people is considered 50% capacity in our church? Holy Name Church can comfortably accommodate 240 people at one time. 50% capacity of that will be 120. Unfortunately, we do not have that number at every given Mass (4 masses on the weekend) except during the International Festival. To maintain social distancing, the main church can only accommodate 45 seating positions for now. The excess of that will go to the auditorium and listen to the Mass through our newly updated sound system.
2.) What number of people are age 65 and over in our parish? We will rephrase the question by saying, what number of people are 65 years and older at any given Mass in our parish? Half of the population at the Saturday evening Mass fall into this group. Perhaps 10% at 8:00am, 5% at 10:30, and 5% at Noon Mass.
3.) Will we be waiting outside, with the sidewalk marked at 6 feet intervals, as the ushers direct people to their seats? Parishioners enter the church at various times. We advise you to follow the signs as you approach the main door of the church, facing Woodland Street. Except for those in wheelchairs, you cannot enter through the side doors at this time. We also ask that you do not touch door handles and other common items. If everybody comes in at the same time, the usher may ask them to respect social distancing as they enter the church.
4.) Since masks/face coverings are required in public, will masks be given to those unable to provide their own (masks)? These items are hard to come by right now. Everyone is advised to come with his or her own mask, which you are directed to put on as you exit your vehicle.
5.) Do any of our windows safely open? Based on weather, will we be opening windows for air flow? Unfortunately, our stained glass windows were not made to open.
6.) Will you share any ideas on Communion plans? Are we creating just one line up the center aisle? Will each family or individual remain in their pew until 6 feet of distance is available? How will ushers maintain distance and be involved? If people do not go to Communion, how will others safely go around those pews/people?
9.) How are the offertory and 2nd collections going to be handled? Labeled baskets for contributions will be located at the baptismal font and in front of the altar for envelopes and loose collections. However, we strongly encourage Online Giving as it eliminates the number of times gifts are handled. You can easily access this by clicking here (or from one of the links on the home page).
10.) Any changes in the near future? We will continue to keep parishioners updated should further changes be necessary. We anticipate having to make adjustments since this is a learning process. We will have a better sense once we have an idea of actual attendance at the Masses.