Preparing for each mass requires much work to be done “behind the scenes”….which includes ensuring that the linens, sacred vessels, hosts, liturgical texts and readings are prepared. Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, there is much more being done “behind the scenes” to ensure our worship space is properly sanitized for your safety.

In addition to the safety directives posted at the entrance of the church, requiring masks to be worn and hands to be sanitized by all entering the church, we have provided sufficient quantities of hand sanitizer, wipes, masks and gloves for those who may need them.

As a measure to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our parishioners we have implemented a two-step process, recommended by the CDC, to clean and disinfect the church using a product called PUROXcide.  PUROXcide is the safest and most effective EPA registered disinfectant on the market.

The first step involves cleaning by wiping down the pews and other surfaces for a deep clean using light dilution rate solution of PUROXcide or CLOROX bleach free wipes. The second step includes the use of a ULV Cold Fogger utilizing a heavy dilution rate solution of PUROXcide. The fogger disinfects and sanitizes the hard surfaces as well as the air. It is used in the church, vestibule and bathroom. The combination of the deep cleaning and the disinfecting with the fogger kills 99.99% of the bacteria on the surfaces and in the air.

We hope this article has given a small peek into what happens at St. Ann as we prepare for our liturgies. We are also grateful to our ushers and volunteers who work “behind the scenes” to make it all happen.