BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Diocese of Buffalo has updated guidelines for
parishes in Western New York, now that the state's vaccination rate has hit the all important 70% threshold.
Those who have missed hearing live music will be disappointed to learn that
restrictions on singing, with full choirs, have not changed. You can read the diocese's latest guidelines here.
"According to the recent guidance from the state, singing is still supposed to be with individuals 12 feet apart. They want that activity diminished," said Father Paul Seil, Pastor of St Bernadette's Catholic Church in Orchard Park.
"In our church, some music is definitely back," said Seil. "It's done at a distance and is safe. Father Sean Paul Fleming, Director of Worship for the Diocese, is recommending that choirs get together over the Summer to rehearse in the hopes that in the early Fall it might be time to bring full choirs back."
Masks are optional in the Diocese. However, Priests and Ministers of the Eucharist are encouraged to continue wearing masks when distributing Communion for the protection of the vulnerable and those who may not be able to be vaccinated.
"We're not supposed to share hymnals and things like that. And we're still not allowed to put Holy water in fonts. Those are restrictions that remain in place," said Fr. Seil.
Pew restrictions, and other measures to limit capacity are being relaxed. However, individuals from different households are encouraged to maintain reasonable separation.
As of June 6, 2021, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass was lifted and all practicing Catholics have be invited to resume regular, in-person worship. To support the effort, the Diocese suggests that live-streaming of regularly scheduled Masses be limited to one Mass per week. Weddings, funerals, and other celebrations may still be offered to include family members who may not yet be ready to travel.
"We've been having two masses on Sunday mornings in different locations. One in the gym and one in the church. As of the beginning of July, we're going to move all of our services back to the church," said Fr. Seil. He's planning to continue the live-stream of masses. T"he initial investment was pretty high last year, (over $15,000) but all we have to do now is push a button and it's on. There's always going to be people who can't come to mass."
