High School Youth Ministry and Catechesis

1. We will be meeting from 4:30-6:30.
   • This gives us ample time to make sure that all locations on campus have been properly disinfected and cleaned. This takes place after every Mass and gathering with an industrial level cleaner.
   • This will give myself and my CORE Team time to come in, make sure we are all set up, and can continue safely.
   • We also feel that since many families have not felt comfortable to return to Mass yet with the large crowds, there would be no pressure for teens and families to have to be in contact with said crowds. 
   • We will be doing everything we can to minimize crowds!
2. Masks will be required for all present inside the building.
   • If we are outside, they will be required if we are doing an activity that would place people within 6ft. However, I do not plan on having any activities that would do such a thing...but, I'm always ready for different circumstances to arise!
3. There will be a formal check in process for INSIDE and OUTSIDE meetings!
   • Students will come to the check in table keeping a 6ft. distance from others.
   • They will review the following items (If these apply to anyone, we ask they do not enter):
     1. Your temperature is under 100.4 degrees.
     2. In the past two (2) weeks, you HAVE NOT presented symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, with no alternative diagnosis.
     3. In the past two (2) weeks, you HAVE NOT traveled internationally.
     4. In the past two (2) weeks, you HAVE NOT been exposed—less than six (6) feet for greater than 15 minutes—to anyone who has tested positive for or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 (with no alternative diagnosis), without wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
   • ALL temperatures will be taken (aka, anyone entering the meeting—volunteers, teens, and any parents/family members that need to enter the space.)
   • Before entering, all will need to use the provided hand sanitizer.
   • Seats are already spaced with the appropriate distance and there will be no moving around of chairs to make sure that we stay at the correct distance. 
   • Students will be asked to bring a blanket or camp chair if we plan on being outside, so there will be no sharing of seating.
   • We plan on being outside as much as possible, weather permitting.
4. When meeting in small groups, we will be spread out all over campus, inside and outside (weather permitting), to ensure that small groups can relate to each other, but from a safe distance. 
   • I have reserved the entire campus for our meetings to ensure that we do not come in contact with other groups!
5. All meals must be prepackaged and individual, so there will be no buffet/potluck style where cross contamination could occur! (This is in accordance with the Emergency Preparedness Protocol published by the Diocese of Richmond.)
   • We will have to be creative this year with our meals.

   • We feel that eating as a community is a very important aspect of our youth group as it promotes social bonding, further discussion, and faith formation (“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42)

6. All materials will be on a "take home" basis.
   • We will provide bibles, YouCats, and journals!
   • However, I will be asking teens to keep them with them and bring the materials each week!
   • Backpacks are encouraged!
   • Although I will have back up items, it will help ease many a mind that they are using their own belongings!

Would you like some resources to get your family through these uncertain times?

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