PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) – With the news that Governor Wolf will be moving the majority of southwestern Pennsylvania counties into the state's 'yellow' phase next week, the Diocese of Pittsburgh announced their plans to gradually reopen churches.
"Our strategic reopening plan will be done in phases based on comprehensive recommendations from a diocesan COVID-19 Task Force Team in coordination and consultation with state and regional health care leaders," said Bishop David Zubik.
In following the local and state public health and wellness guidelines and recommendations, churches will reopen for private prayer, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as continuing directives regarding small weddings and funeral Masses.
"We rejoice to move with care to our experience of the Eucharistic community of the Church in the celebration of Mass and the sacraments. The decision to suspend public Masses and close Church buildings was truly heartbreaking, but it was made with the health and wellbeing of the community in mind. We have, and will continue to be vigilant in doing our part to help "flatten the curve" of the spread of COVID-19. Through all of this we have seen, in so many ways, that Christ is with us always," Bishop Zubik said.
The first phase will begin Friday, May 15th, and will include the following:
· All previous directives remain in effect.· Limited funeral Masses and weddings continue, with cleaning/sanitizing guidelines in place, expanding to groups of no more than 25 people.· Churches will be permitted to open for private prayer with safety guidelines in place including seating in designated areas only, the use of masks, hand sanitizers, and social distancing.· Churches open for Confessions – Confessionals do not meet public health safety requirements, and as such, Confessions will be heard at posted times and in a manner that preserves the sanctity of the Sacrament. Penitents must practice social distancing and all other safety guidelines.· Livestream Masses and prayer services will continue.
Parishes will be allowed to reopen after meeting cleaning and sanitizing guidelines, honoring social distancing requirements, and informing visitors that they must follow public health directives, like wearing masks.
"Although we are all so eager to get back to some sense of normal," said Bishop Zubik, "we recognize that these sacrifices have been essential to keeping each other safe during this deadly pandemic. I am greatly appreciative of all in our faith community who have shown a great amount of patience during this unprecedented time."
"Perhaps now more than ever before, every one of us and especially our families, are called to deepen their prayer life. Prayer can change hearts and the world," Bishop Zubik said.
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