Dear Parishioners,
The scale of support needed to implement the requirements for reopening necessitate teams of volunteers available to execute three elements of reopening management and maintenance:
- Set-up team: Volunteers will ensure that: all supplies needed for each sacramental celebration/gathering are ready for use, entrances and exits are marked and propped physically open prior to attendees’ arrival/departure, windows are opened, restrooms are stocked and managed, etc. They will ensure hand sanitizer is available and that pews are marked off according to social distancing guidelines.
- Greeting team: Greeters will assist in managing the flow of congregants as they enter the church, participate in the liturgy/sacrament, and exit the church. Team members will combine some of the functions of an usher, such as directing participants to appropriate seating/waiting areas, but will include additional responsibilities, including, but not limited to, making sure attendees use hand sanitizer upon entering, are wearing a mask, and are reminded not to enter if ill. Given the circumstances, greeters will need to be tactful and firm paying careful attention to all people on-site. To support parish greeter teams, rudimentary training tips on handling difficult situations will be provided.
- Disinfecting team: These volunteers will help maintain and sanitize essential and trafficked areas of the church before and after the church has been used. Masks and gloves will be provided, if necessary, in addition to approved cleaning/disinfecting supplies. Per the certification process, parishes will need to develop appropriate schedules and verification methods to ensure cleaning occurs at the proper times relative to when congregants arrive and leave the church building. To support the cleaning team, guidance on proper cleaning procedures will be provided in the webinar training as well as in the Supply Starter Kit.
Requirements:
Health and Age: Any captain or volunteer must not be part of a “vulnerable population” (not
over the age of 65; no underlying medical condition such as diabetes; lung disease; undergoing cancer treatment, etc.). For greeter teams those from 18 years or older to 65 are welcome.
Scope of work: High School students who wish to volunteer may do so for set-up teams or cleaning teams, provided they have permission from their parent or guardian.
If you have additional questions please contact, Eryka Accordino at eaccordino@stannebarrington.org or (847) 620-3055.
Reopening leadership team Co-chairs,
Eryka Accordino & Jim Proebstal