Instructions for Mass, Confessions, & Adoration:

Following the Instructions on Resumption of In-Parish Worship and Access to Parish Facilities memo sent by Archbishop Hartmeyer, we began the process of offering Mass and confessions here at the Georgia Tech Catholic Center, starting Tuesday, May 26, and continue to do so. 

We haven’t taken this process lightly, and have been following the directives given by the Archdiocese and the Thomistic Institute (Found Here). In following their recommendations and given the cooperation of the faithful, it is possible to celebrate the sacraments reverently and responsibly while mitigating the risk of spreading Covid-19. We’re deep cleaning the church, and will be sanitizing after every Mass.

As a reminder, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues until further notice, so for those that are sick, have compromised immune systems, or are worried about the risk of spreading the virus to their families, we ask that for the sake of others you please refrain from attending Mass. This also means that those able to come to Mass can come on days other than Sunday.

Here are the specific procedures we will be following for Mass: 

• In respecting the 6 feet required for social distancing, our maximum capacity has been greatly reduced, so first priority will be given to Georgia Tech students and affiliates for admittance. There will be ushers at the main entrance for escorting the faithful to assigned spots. In order to maximize capacity, you won’t be able to choose your seat (although households will be able to sit together). Once the main chapel has been filled, we will then fill the lobby, and then, if necessary the outdoor patio area. For the time being, once we are at maximum capacity no one else will be permitted to enter. Once seated, please do not climb over others to get up from your pew, as it would not be safe to do so.
• There will be only one entrance/exit used directly into and out of the building, which is the main entrance, guided by the ushers. All other doors will not be accessible. The bathrooms are for emergency use only.
• Everyone will be required to wear a mask, (please bring your own mask) and is encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.
• The sign of peace will be omitted.
• For the distribution of Holy Communion, the priest celebrant will put on his mask, sanitize hands and come down for distribution. Please maintain social distancing while approaching the altar for communion, and do not wear gloves while receiving communion. One side of the Church will come forward for communion, then the lobby, then the other side, followed by the patio if necessary, and please follow the instructions of the ushers. Communicants are asked to remove one part of their mask, and are able to receive either on the hand or on the tongue. If the priest celebrant comes in contact with a person, he will stop, purify and then sanitize hands, then continue distributing. After an opportunity for a brief prayer of thanksgiving, we will ask everyone to leave the chapel so it can be cleaned in between Masses.
• Ushers will be holding baskets at the exit of the chapel for offerings.

Confessions will be available an hour fifteen minutes before each mass up until fifteen minutes before each mass in Fr. Branson’s office. You can follow the signs in the lobby, and please socially distance while waiting. The screen is available for privacy, and masks are required. Confessions are also available by appointment.  Please contact Fr. Branson @ Frbranson@gtcatholic.org to schedule a time. 

Adoration & Private Prayer: The Adoration Chapel will be open from 8 am to 8 pm every day, but with a maximum capacity of 4 people at a time. Masks are required and please wipe down your seat afterwards with the cleaners provided. The chapel will also be open for prayer throughout the day, with the same rules of socially distancing, masks, and wiping down anything used afterwards.