Old St. Patrick’s Church
Events Health & Safety Protocol
Overview
This page outlines the steps we will take at events and experiences on our campus and steps individuals and families must take in order to create a healthy and safe environment for all. Please take time to review these protocols before each event.
Prior to the Event
Monitoring Health
We ask everyone to monitor their health in the days leading up to the in-person event. If in the last 3 days, you have been in close contact with someone exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID 19, we ask that you refrain from in-person participation in events and liturgies at Old St. Pat’s. Additionally, we ask that everyone follow Chicago’s Emergency Travel Advisory, and unvaccinated persons stay home if they have returned from a place or state experiencing higher rates.
Prior to the Event
Monitoring Health
We ask everyone to monitor their health in the days leading up to the in-person event. If in the last 3 days, you have been in close contact with someone exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID 19, we ask that you refrain from in-person participation in events and liturgies at Old St. Pat’s. Additionally, we ask that everyone follow Chicago’s Emergency Travel Advisory, and unvaccinated persons stay home if they have returned from a place or state experiencing higher rates.
At the Event
Masks
At this time, everyone must wear face masks for any indoor programming regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not necessary for outdoor activities; however, if you are not fully vaccinated or feel more comfortable continuing to wear a mask, you are encouraged to do so. Old St. Pat’s will have disposable face masks available for any indoor events for those in need of a fresh mask.
Groups
The size of groups will not exceed the capacity set by city and state guidelines.
Social Distancing
When possible, non-vaccinated participants should observe distancing of three feet, even while wearing masks.
Old St. Patrick’s Church Staff
The staff of Old St. Patrick’s Church is dedicated to serving the people of God, and during this time of the pandemic, that includes special attention to protecting the health and safety of our members, friends, and neighbors. A full 95% of our staff and clergy have completed the COVID vaccination series as recommended by the CDC, and the rest are tested weekly, per Archdiocesan requirements. Each member of our staff works within CDC and Archdiocesan requirements in order to plan and host experiences - whether it be small committee meetings, large liturgical celebrations, or outdoor experiences of community-building.
Attendance
While it is not currently required by the local or Archdiocesan policies, Old St. Pat’s may choose to use our church portal (myOSP) to take attendance at events. This would help contact tracing efforts if needed.
Food
In the event that food is served at an Old St. Pat’s event, the following guidelines will be observed:
At this time, everyone must wear face masks for any indoor programming regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not necessary for outdoor activities; however, if you are not fully vaccinated or feel more comfortable continuing to wear a mask, you are encouraged to do so. Old St. Pat’s will have disposable face masks available for any indoor events for those in need of a fresh mask.
Groups
The size of groups will not exceed the capacity set by city and state guidelines.
Social Distancing
When possible, non-vaccinated participants should observe distancing of three feet, even while wearing masks.
Old St. Patrick’s Church Staff
The staff of Old St. Patrick’s Church is dedicated to serving the people of God, and during this time of the pandemic, that includes special attention to protecting the health and safety of our members, friends, and neighbors. A full 95% of our staff and clergy have completed the COVID vaccination series as recommended by the CDC, and the rest are tested weekly, per Archdiocesan requirements. Each member of our staff works within CDC and Archdiocesan requirements in order to plan and host experiences - whether it be small committee meetings, large liturgical celebrations, or outdoor experiences of community-building.
Attendance
While it is not currently required by the local or Archdiocesan policies, Old St. Pat’s may choose to use our church portal (myOSP) to take attendance at events. This would help contact tracing efforts if needed.
Food
In the event that food is served at an Old St. Pat’s event, the following guidelines will be observed:
- Individuals and families will be given the option to bring food from home.
- Food and drink will not be shared.
- All food and beverage will be in single serve containers.
- When feasible, participants will eat outside.
- A minimum of three feet distance between participants will be maintained while eating.
- Participants will wash hands or use hand sanitizer immediately before and after eating.
Post Event
We ask leaders and participants to continue to monitor their health. If symptoms arise, the individual should consult with their primary care provider. Families must notify the Director of Youth Ministry of any known or suspected COVID-19 cases.
Keeping it Clean
The buildings at Old St. Pat’s are cleaned regularly using approved disinfectant products.
References
These protocols were developed with information from the following sources:
Chicago Phase 5 Recommendations
CDC Coronavirus Childcare, Schools, and Youth Programs Guidelines
Chicago Archdiocese Reopening Resources
Field Guide for Camps on Implementation of CDC Guidance
Illinois Department of Health State Guidelines
Chicago Phase 5 Recommendations
CDC Coronavirus Childcare, Schools, and Youth Programs Guidelines
Chicago Archdiocese Reopening Resources
Field Guide for Camps on Implementation of CDC Guidance
Illinois Department of Health State Guidelines
Updated September 25, 2021