The Catholic Church in East St. James Parish

We appreciate the patience of the community as we move forward with caution for everyone’s health and safety.

26 October 2021:  Following the updated Covid protocols for the State of Louisiana, Bishop Duca has issued this letter to all the Faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

In summary:

1. Face masks are no longer required in places of worship or indoors in parish facilities. However, the wearing of face masks remains a reasonable choice for those who judge themselves to be vulnerable.
2. Similarly, the wearing of face masks in Catholic Schools is now optional. However, the “social distance” protocol remains in effect as well as the limitation on visitors to any school campus.

For St. Peter Chanel in particular, this means the weekday School Mass remains closed to family member and the public.

3. It is recommended that priests and deacons continue to wear face masks during the Entrance and Recessional Processions at Mass. Especially, all clergy and extra-ordinary Eucharistic ministers will continue to wear face masks when distributing Holy Communion at Mass or to the sick or home-bound.

Because Covid is still active, still contagious, and potentially deadly, all people are encouraged to take all reasonable precautions to avoid contracting and/or spreading the virus.  We pray for no more surges!

Why wear a Face mask?

The complete letter from Bishop Duca from 4 March 2021 can be read here.

The Gradual Lifting of Covid-19 Protocols, Version 2 (click here)

The following links will get to you the needed information.

Bishop Duca’s January 17, 2021, letter asking for renewed vigilance against the corona virus

UPDATED: SUMMARY OF THE U.S. BISHOPS’ STATEMENT ON COVID-19 VACCINES:  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

See the full PHASE III PROTOCOLS.

Whenever attending Mass – Sunday, weekday, funeral, wedding, or other – everyone is still expected to wear a face mask while in the church building. 

Funeral Masses starting 1 June 2021

Please remember Bishop Duca has stated:

Bishop Duca will reinstate the obligation to attend Sunday Masses effective the weekend of June 5th and 6th. Mask protocols are still required at all Masses. 

Click here to find the link to website Masses.  Continue to use the St. Alphonsus “Spiritual Communion” prayer while watching the Mass or even as part of your personal daily prayer.

For churches, the protocol stays at 75% of capacity.  However, our churches must maintain the 6 foot social distance protocol as well. 

Recently we have seen maximum capacity in live Mass participation. You should get to church early to make certain you have a seat.