Latest COVID-19 Guidelines, effective January 12, 2022

Holy Cross holds the health and safety of our parishioners, employees, volunteers, and all who gather for any activity sponsored by our parish as a top priority. Holy Cross follows Metropolis of Pittsburgh, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of all those who participate in worship services and activities sponsored by parish organizations.

As of May 31, 2021, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has lifted COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Disclaimer: This policy is intended as guidance for the continued safe operations of services and activities at Holy Cross. Any information in this document is subject to change at the discretion of the Holy Cross Parish Council Executive Committee. Employees and parishioners will be advised of changes in a timely manner. This document only provides guidelines and operational policies; no contracts or agreements are created or implied by any language contained in this document.

Worship Services: All Liturgical, Sacramental, and Daily Office services will continue in accordance with Metropolis of Pittsburgh guidelines, and under the direction of the Holy Cross Proistamanos (head priest).
Church Organization Activities: As of 8am on January 4, 2021, all non-service, in-person activities are permitted. All organizations should meet and conduct activities following Commonwealth, County, and Metropolis health and safety guidelines.

Masking Requirements: While the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has lifted masking requirements for those who have been fully vaccinated, the Metropolis of Pittsburgh instituted a masking mandate on January 11, 2022. This mandate requires masks at all Church-related functions (whether on Church property or not) and for all non-Church functions taking place on Church property, effective immediately and until further notice. For those who are unable to mask, in-person participation in worship and meetings will not be possible.

Holy Cross seeks to accommodate the physical and spiritual health of all, and the parish will make reasonable accommodations for administrative and sacramental needs, per the Metropolis mandate. Please contact Fr. Michael Kallaur for any spiritual or sacramental need, or the point of contact listed below for any administrative need.

Vaccination Requirements: Per Metropolis guidelines, Holy Cross cannot (and will not) be asking people to demonstrate their vaccinated status for entry into the Church. Holy Cross operates on the honor system, trusting that people will be responsible when entering our parish and participating in parish events.
Holy Cross will provide adequate space for those who wish to be masked and observe physical distancing.
Daily Health Screening: Parishioners, volunteers, and all those who attend services or activities are asked to complete a daily health check before attending any function. If you are symptomatic, please stay home and contact your physician. We all play an important role in protecting the health and safety of our parish community.

Activity Waiver: Participants in all non-service church organization activities will be required to sign a COVID-19 waiver and release form prior to participation. Organization leaders will be provided with copies of the waiver.

COVID-19 Reporting: Any employee, volunteer, or person who participates in an in-person gathering sponsored by Holy Cross is requested to notify the Holy Cross “Point of Contact” upon receiving a positive test result.

If a participant in a non-service church organization activity tests positive, the leader of the activity should communicate immediately with the Holy Cross Point of Contact. The Point of Contact is responsible for communicating with all other participants who may have come in contact with the person who tested positive.

Holy Cross Point of Contact: The Point of Contact for any COVID-19 related question, or to report a positive test result is:

Dean Stambolis, President
Holy Cross Parish Council
deanstambolis@verizon.net
412-874-9572