We are looking forward to seeing those parishioners who plan to return to Mass this weekend! Please be patient with us as we are adjusting to the guidelines to keep everyone safe and healthy!
For more detailed information check our of FAQ's below.
We are working on updating this page in a timely manner as questions arise from our parishioners. If you have a question that is not answered here please email meghan.forbes@allsaintsknoxville.org.
FAQs about coming back to Mass:
Q – What procedures do we need to complete to enter the church?
A – Ushers, greeters & hosts will be stationed on the walkway to enter the church to assist you. At each step, they will be helping you along to do the following:
Q – Where can I enter the church?
A – We are asking everyone to enter through the main doors unless they have limited mobility & need to use the handicap entrance. Ushers, greeters, and hosts will be available to assist you in getting inside the church.
Q – Why are hosts seating us instead of choosing our preferred spots?
A – Making sure that we are all safely spaced from one another greatly reduces the capacity of the sanctuary seating. We are asking you to allow a host to seat your party because they have been trained to make the most of the space we have available.
Q – What will the church look like when we return?
A – To help you maintain a safe distance from fellow parishioners, the church will look different than we are used to. Every other row as well as the ends of each pew will be unused & marked off to help us stay six (6) feet apart.
Q – Who has to wear a mask?
A - Everyone over the age of 5 must wear a mask. It might be a good idea to prepare your children for this as seeing everyone wearing a mask may be alarming to our youngest friends! In the event you do not have a mask on, one will be provided for you.
Q – What if the main sanctuary reaches capacity?
A – We will be seating people in the main sanctuary, day chapel & Narthex with hosts. Once that capacity is reached, there will be overflow space in the parish hall with Mass livestreamed & Communion available.
Q – How can we take Communion?
A – Per diocesan guidelines, the Eucharist will only be distributed in the hand. If you are uncomfortable with this practice, we ask you to simply receive a blessing at that time instead. Once you have exited your pew, you can lower your mask, sanitize your hands and prepare to receive the Eucharist. The Eucharist should be immediately consumed and then move back to your seat after replacing your mask.
Q – What if members of my family are not able to receive Communion?
A – We are asking everyone to step out & come forward to receive even if it is simply a blessing. This will keep everyone moving & eliminate people having to step over others to get out of their pew.
Q – What if I have a young baby/child who cries during Mass?
A – We love children at All Saints! We are all going to be patient with this new normal. If possible, try to sit on the end of an aisle if you need to exit. Ask your Host to sit you near an aisle if possible. You might also prefer to be seated in the Narthex or Parish Hall to make getting up and out of your seat easier.
Q – What if my child needs to use the bathroom?
A – Please try to make sure all children have used the restroom before mass begins. Of course, even if you do so, a need to go may arise. If possible, try to sit on the end of an aisle if you need to exit. Ask your Host to sit you near an aisle if possible. You might also prefer to be seated in the Narthex or Parish Hall to make getting up and out of your seat easier.
Q – Will there be a collection?
A - Collection baskets will be in a few locations such as the Narthex and the handicap entrance/exit. As usual, you may continue to give online as this is the best and easiest way to give. If you would like to set up online giving, you may go to our website to do so. www.allsaintsknoxville.org
Q – Are there procedures for exiting Mass as well?
A – We will be leaving Mass in an orderly fashion, just as we entered, to allow us to maintain appropriate physical distance throughout the entire Mass from Processional to Recessional.
Q – Will there be coffee & doughnuts after Mass?
A – We will not be resuming coffee & doughnuts at this time. Trust us, Tripp is just as sad as you are about this!
Q – Can we stand around in the Narthex before or after Mass & catch up with friends?
A – We have been asked by the Diocese to maintain safe distances for all parishioners at all times. Because of this, we are asking you to refrain from congregating with others outside your own family/party throughout the queue outside, the Narthex, and sanctuary. We agree that it is sad to remain distant from our fellow parishioners, but we are asking you to put the needs of others ahead of your own and maintain distance from other parties.
Q – How is the mass being cleaned between Masses?
A – All touched surfaced will be sanitized between each Mass by staff & volunteers. Items such as hymnals, missals, and worship aides have been removed for a limited time to decrease touched surfaces.
Q – What if I am not comfortable returning to Mass at this time?
A - Until further notice, the faithful are under no obligation to attend Sunday Mass as the Bishop dispensed the Sunday obligation and therefore, those who are vulnerable, elderly or just not comfortable going to a public Mass should continue to participate in the many live-streamed Masses our parish offers and may make a spiritual communion.