PITTSBURGH — The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh announced Wednesday that churches will open to full seating capacity effective May 31, following Governor Tom Wolf’s Gov announcement Tuesday that maximum occupancy limits of events and gatherings will be increased.
Masks are still required to be worn inside churches and parish buildings, but priests, deacons, readers and cantors may remove their masks when speaking or singing while maintaining a social distance from others.
Parishes will continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing protocols, which currently advise that buildings should be cleaned once a day, according to a news release.
Bishop Zubik encourages pastors to consider maintaining an area of pews marked for socially distanced seating to accommodate parishioners who may feel more comfortable attending Mass in that way, the release states.
As previously stated, summer festivals and other non-liturgical events are permitted, as long as all current COVID-19 protocols are followed. A diocesan parish festival guide will be posted on the Pittsburgh Catholic website.
“We are eager to welcome more people back to Holy Mass and to the reception of Holy Communion. We are excited to be moving in this direction,” said Bishop Zubik. “We know that people have been longing for spiritual health care and the healing power of Jesus. For those who have not been attending Mass in person, we’ve missed you. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.”
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