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current Protocols
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NO Mask Mandate for Catholic school students at this time
September 15, 2021
The Catholics schools in the Diocese of Sioux City will not be instituting mask mandates at this time due to the current legal proceedings in Iowa.
Patty Lansink, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Sioux City, noted the diocesan attorney verified that the temporary restraining order lifting the ban on mask mandates did not apply to the 16 Catholic school systems in the Diocese of Sioux City.
“If you have heard about this ban, it is only lifted for public school districts – it is not lifted for non-public schools,” Lansink pointed out. “We want to clarify that we still will not be mandating masks, because the ban is still not lifted for our schools.”
In May 2021, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the House File 847 which banned school districts and local governments from imposing mask mandates on their properties. This applied to public and non-public schools, including Catholic schools.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pratt issued a temporary restraining order Sept. 13, which gives Iowa school districts the option of implementing mask mandates in schools.
Only public schools are mentioned in the order:
“Defendants Gov. Reynolds, Director (Ann) Lebo (Iowa Department of Education) and the school districts are enjoined from enforcing Iowa Code section 280.31 banning local public school districts from utilizing their discretion to mandate masks for students, staff, teachers and visitors.”
Lansink pointed out that issues surrounding COVID-19 precautions and schools can change quickly, and her office will continue to monitor the situation.
Las escuelas católicas en la Diócesis de Sioux City no instituirán mandatos del uso de cubrebocas en este momento debido a los procedimientos legales actuales en Iowa.
Patty Lansink, superintendente de Escuelas Católicas de la Diócesis de Sioux City, señaló que el abogado diocesano verificó que la orden de restricción temporal que levantaba la prohibición de los mandatos del uso de cubrebocas, no se aplicaba a los 16 sistemas escolares católicos en la Diócesis de Sioux City.
"Si ha oído hablar de esta prohibición, solo se refiere a los distritos escolares públicos, no se levantará para las escuelas privadas,” señaló Lansink. "Queremos aclarar que todavía no exigiremos cubrebocas, porque la prohibición aún no se ha levantado para nuestras escuelas".
En mayo de 2021, la gobernadora de Iowa, Kim Reynolds, firmó el Expediente 847 de la Cámara de Representantes que prohibía a los distritos escolares y gobiernos locales imponer mandatos de cubrebocas en sus propiedades. Esto se aplicaba a las escuelas públicas y no a las privadas, o a las escuelas católicas.
El juez de la Corte de Distrito de los Estados Unidos, Robert Pratt, emitió una orden de restricción temporal el 13 de septiembre, que les da a los distritos escolares de Iowa la opción de implementar mandatos de cubrebocas en las escuelas. Sólo las escuelas públicas se mencionan en la orden.
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august 18, 2021
The Diocese of Sioux City COVID-19 Task Force met with Bishop Nickless earlier this week and reviewed current data as it pertains to the spread and impact of COVID-19 and the current dominant Delta Variant. Following the meeting, the bishop maintained or amended the following protocols and has issued the following recommendations.
Until Further Notice:
No Sign of Peace during Mass Remains
Communion – Single Form of Communion under the Species of Bread Only Remains
The use of hand sanitizer during the distribution of Communion after the Eucharist is received on the tongue is rescinded and is no longer mandated.- Hand sanitizer should be applied by priests, deacons and the laity prior to the general distribution of the Eucharist and following the completion of general distribution to the congregation.
- Pastors / Parishes are advised to regularly speak to the issue and print materials (bulletins, etc.) on the proper reception of the Eucharist by hand and by mouth in order to show the appropriate reverence to the body of Christ and limit contact during Communion distribution.
- Pastors should continue to strongly urge their faithful to receive the body of Christ in their hand (understanding it is their right to receive via their mouth).
It is strongly urged for ALL clergy and laity to wear a mask while distributing Communion.
Parish events
Parish meals / events / meetings, etc. are NOT cancelled.
Technology, such as Zoom and other virtual platforms should be considered, but are not mandated, for parish meetings if positivity rates for COVID-19 are high or are rising in your area.
Considerations- Distancing should be considered where possible.
- Masks for indoor parish events are strongly urged.
- Questions or concerns about food distribution or preparation should be directed to your county Public Health Office for local protocols.
- Carry-out meals are safer then eating in.
- For eating in - outdoor seating is better then indoor seating when possible.
- Increase table and chair spacing when possible.
- Good ventilation / fresh air always helps.
The bishop and his senior advisors will continue to monitor data and network across the state and region with public health experts and other resource groups to our Diocese. Data reports will continue to be shared with our pastors on a regular basis.
Mask Up
Practice Social Distancing
Wash Your Hands
Get and Promote Vaccinations
The task force noted in their statement, "As always we strive for PROGRESS not perfection."en español