Bishop Scharfenberger also stressed the importance of complying with social distancing requirements even by those not affected by the virus: “Though it seems unreasonable and even counter-intuitive for those of us who feel just fine and haven’t personally experienced any effects - or know anyone who has - we do so out of care and concern for others and those who would likely experience the most severe effects of the coronavirus,” he said.
Bishop Scharfeberger has issued a dispensation to all Catholics from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation, given governmental restrictions on the assembly of people during this time. Furthermore, all penance services, Confirmations and other parish events have been cancelled or postponed: