As parishes in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe begin to close out the current Catechetical Year, planning is already taking place for the upcoming 2022-2023 year. One of the factors in that planning is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While daily cases, hospitalizations and deaths have decreased, they have not stopped, and action to protect those entrusted to the parish Faith Formation programs is still warranted.
In 2020, Archbishop Wester reminded all of us, “It is of paramount importance to be reminded that the Church values everyone’s safety and well-being. Life is sacred and we are taking every precaution to protect our people from the coronavirus.” (Reopening Our Churches, 5/24/2020). We continue to uphold the sacredness of life and care for one another through the anticipated protocols, based on the current Public Health Order, for the upcoming Catechetical Year.
- Accommodations for alternative methods of Faith Formation should continue to be made for children and youth who are more vulnerable to the virus due to medical conditions.
- Masks remain optional for all those participating in parish Faith Formation programs. However, the use of masks remains strongly recommended for those over 65, those with medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus, those caring for (or living with) persons in the previous two categories, and those who are unvaccinated.
- Opportunities for frequent hand washing or available hand sanitizer is recommended.
- If possible, some social distancing is highly encouraged as this practice proved invaluable in preventing community spread within the parish Faith Formation programs this year.
- It is suggested that a regular cleaning schedule prior to children/youth entering the parish facility, particularly high touch surfaces, remain a priority.
- All pandemic related policies and protocols are subject to change as the situation of COVID-19 positive cases and hospitalizations change. Every parish should be ready to make changes in accordance with any promulgated health orders in the future.
- As has been noted since the beginning of the pandemic, local pastors retain the authority to utilize stricter directives as they feel it necessary or prudent.
The latest COVID-19 information Toolkit, from the NM Department of Health, can be found at:
https://cv.nmhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/COVID-19-toolkit_4.7.22.pdf
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Attached are the notification letters in Spanish and English again. Please do not forget to notify the NM Environment Department if you or a catechist tests positive for COVID-19.
You may do so through email at NMENV-OSHA@state.nm.us, by telephone at 505-476-8700 or by Fax 505-476-8734.
Just a reminder, teachers can’t come back until they complete 10 days of quarantine with no symptoms. We also encourage them to be tested. Same policy for school will apply for RE.
Updated SHSB_Positive Case Letter Parish Spanish
Updated SHSB_Positive Case Letter Parish English
From the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Vicar General
To: Pastors, PLCs, other Priests, Religious and Catholic Center Staff
Some information/direction for you.
- We’ve been informed that some parishes are asking as to whether they can require children to attend Mass if readying for their sacraments. Know that dispensation to not attend Mass during the current pandemic is still in place, and that applies to children receiving their sacraments as well; please do not demand that the children attend Mass during this time, but utilize other avenues to determine a child’s preparation for their sacraments. This may help to alleviate the fears of both children AND parents.
Please Note: Subject To Change If Directives Change From The Governor
Below are links to a letter and supplemental documents regarding resuming Religious Education/Faith Formation (children, youth and adult) in the parishes for the 2020-2021
We are still awaiting a Spanish translation for those who need it. As you can see, there is a lot of material included.
It is preferable that parishes use non-gathered (virtual or distanced) platforms for faith formation which includes all sacramental preparation, RCIA, youth group etc.
However, if a parish feels it must have gathered (in-person) formation sessions, then, at this time, they must adhere to the 25% of capacity rule (which is subject to change as the Public Health Order does) and all safety and health protocols noted in the letter and best practices supplement as well as adhere to any current or subsequent directives in the Public Health Orders from the State of New Mexico.
Letter – Resuming Religious Ed 2020-2021
Attachment A -Assembling safe at home packets
Attachment B- VIRTUAL PLATFORM PERMISSION SLIP Attachment B- VIRTUAL PLATFORM PERMISSION SLIP Attachment C.1 -Photographic Image Form
Attachment C.2 Photographic Image release
Attachment D – 25% Occupancy Chart
Attachment E – COVID-19 screening qustionnaire
Attachment F – Helpful Hints for Faith Formation
Best Practice Recommentation Aug 2020.docx
Important 2021 Youth Confirmation Information
Attached are six (6) documents regarding the 2021 Confirmations.
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Archbishop’s Letter to Pastors, Administrators and Parish Life Coordinator
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Summary Form which needs to be returned in two weeks prior to Confirmation (NEW – NO NEED TO SEND IN LETTERS TO THE ARCHBISHOP)
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Liturgy Form
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Archbishop’s Letter to Confirmation Candidate in Spanish
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Archbishop’s Letter to Confirmation Candidate in English
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2021 Official Confirmation Schedule – most current
1 Confirmation Letter to Pastors, Administrators and PLC
4 Confirmation Candidate Letter Spanish
5 Confirmation Candidate Letter English
6 2021 Updated Official Confirmation Calendar 11.30.20
Affadavit of Eligibility Godparents-Sponsors Eng.pdf
Declaracion de Elegibilidad – Padrinos Esp
Parish Catechetical Leaders.: In the brainstorming sessions on the 6th and 7th of July, there were several of you who mentioned that you were using Google Classroom for remote Faith Formation/Religious Education sessions. Others were interested in learning about this platform which is used by both the public and Catholic Schools in New Mexico. I found the below YouTube channel that has some very good ideas for setting up a Google Classroom and making it interesting. I thought this might be helpful for those who are planning on using or want to explore this platform for possible classes in Aug-Dec.
As such links are passed on to me, I will continue to share them with you.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6tDjdyckDtMr0FVuwQU6YA
Letter regarding 2020-2021 Religious Ed/Faith Formation
Carta de Educación Religiosa/Formación en la Fe 2020-2021
