Immaculate Conception Church

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH

Leading People to Jesus Through Worship, Community, Service, and Devotion to Mary

414 E. North Broadway, Columbus, OH 43214

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mass

Should I return to Mass immediately?

  • Bishop Brennan has dispensed the Catholic faithful who reside in the Diocese of Columbus and all other Catholics currently in its territories from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass until Sept. 13, 2020.
  • We encourage our parishioners, especially those most susceptible to COVID-19 or with serious health conditions, to please consider worshiping at home.
  • Immaculate Conception will continue to live-stream the Mass. To view the Mass, click on the following links:

How should I prepare to return to Mass when I am able?

  • Parishioners/visitors are asked to wear a cloth face covering (unless they are under the age of 2 years old). Hand washing and proper hygiene is also strongly encouraged before coming to Mass.

What can I expect when I return? Will things be different?

  • There will be one entrance to the church for Mass through the Gathering Space (southwest entrance). All other doors will remain locked.
  • Hand sanitation stations will be available. And please bring your own mask.
  • Pews have been blocked off with blue tape to ensure proper social distancing. Please do not sit in a marked off pew.
  • Those attending Mass are asked to maintain physical distancing before, during and after Mass. That distance is defined as 6 feet of separation between others. Members of the same family are not bound by safe distancing.
  • All books and paper products have been removed from the pews.
  • Holy Water fonts will not be available
  • You may be seated by an usher/greeter for safe distancing.
  • Congregational singing will be limited.
  • The sign of peace will be omitted from the Mass.
  • No entrance or offertory procession will occur.
  • Please place your collection in the offertory boxes in side chapels.
    • Electronic giving is also encouraged via ParishSOFT (online giving)

How will communion take place?

  • Communion stations will be separated and in the front only.
  • Communion will be in a single file in the center aisle – one person every 6 feet.
  • Holy Communion will be in the hand.
  • Distribution of the Blood of Christ to the faithful will be omitted.

Will we be able to gather and visit with other parishioners?

  • Following the blessing, all parishioners and visitors will be asked to leave via the closest exit. Please do not congregate inside the church since that will delay sanitation.
  • Visiting outside is permissible, but keep in mind parking will be needed for the next Mass.

Will there be seating limits or a ticketing process?

  • Yes, there is a limit to the safe capacity inside the main church. For the safety of all of us, once the church is full we cannot have “standing room” available.
  • At this time, it has been decided not to have a ticket-seating process. This may change in the future if necessary.
  • There are options for overflow into Marian Hall, but on an as-needed basis.
  • Please remember to be patient as we work on how to best accommodate everyone!

Will confessions be available?

  • Yes, confessions will be available 5:30-6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9:30-10 a.m. Fridays.
  • Confessions are also available by appointment. Please call 614-208-8817 or the Parish Office. You are also welcome to email edeluca@iccols.org.

What is the Daily Mass schedule?

  • The schedule is 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
  • Monday morning Mass will resume on June 1 at 8:30 a.m.

Letter from Fr. Matt