Updated Guidance On Face Masks In Faith Formation

From David G. Amico, M.Ed., director of the Albany Diocese’s Office of Lay Ministry and Parish Faith Formation:

With the announcement from Governor Hochul (on Feb. 27) regarding the end of the state mandate of wearing of masks in schools, the guidance for parish faith formation programs is now as follows:

  • As of Wednesday, March 2, 2022, masks will no longer be required in faith formation programs.
  • However, if the county in which the parish is located reinstates the wearing of masks in schools, due to an increase of infection rates, faith formation programs should do likewise.
  • Participants in faith formation programs – catechists, other volunteers, children, young people, adults – should know that they are welcome to continue to wear masks if that is their preference. It is important that such a decision is respected by all. 

Please contact the diocesan Office of Lay Ministry and Parish Faith Formation with any questions regarding this guidance. Once again, I wish to express my tremendous gratitude for all that you have done during the past two years to provide meaningful faith formation opportunities for your parish amid the most challenging times we have ever experienced. Your commitment to sharing the good news of God’s love, and to maintaining as safe an environment as possible, has been simply outstanding.

Joining our prayers to Our Lady, Health of the Sick, let us pray for continued healing from this pandemic.