Re-Gathering Protocols for Stage Two

As restrictions on gatherings begin to ease, youth groups and Confirmation classes are wondering about finding ways to gather in person. This is a reasonable instinct; the importance of social interaction during the adolescent years can’t be overstated. That said, if congregations decide to gather groups of middle and high school students together, it must be done in the safest possible way.

The A Journey By Stages guidelines, assembled by the dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts, provide a wealth of helpful information. Complimenting these guidelines, expanded protocols were issued August 6 to supplement and seek to clarify how the guidelines for small group meetings apply to youth ministry gatherings during Stage Two. 

As you start thinking about what your youth ministry gatherings will look like for the 2020-2021 year, we ask that you use your best judgement and consult these protocols, for the health and safety of everyone invoved.