As schools, public events, and even Disneyland go on lockdown over the spread of the coronavirus, Catholic dioceses across the United States have officially suspended the Sunday Mass obligations. Though priests will still conduct Mass, Catholics will not be required to attend so long as the bishop keeps the suspension in place.
As of this writing, nearly every diocese in every major U.S. city, from Manhattan to Chicago to Pittsburgh to Los Angeles, has suspended the Sunday obligation by asking Catholics to use their prudential judgment on whether or not they should attend Mass.
“In light of the serious health risks to vulnerable populations, and mindful of the instructions of medical professionals, the Archdiocese of New York has urged the faithful to use their prudential judgment on whether or not to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during the coronavirus outbreak,” the New York Archdiocese said in a statement. “This is in keeping with the teaching of the Church, which has always exempted those with serious medical issues which would prohibit them from attending Mass, as well as for all people in times of general emergencies.”
“In consultation with leaders from across the archdiocese, for the sake of the safety of our students, parishioners, and all the women and men who serve the people of the archdiocese, it is clear that we must take the better part of caution in order to slow the spread of this pandemic,” said Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago.
“I encourage those of you who cannot come to Mass, to stay home and read the Gospels, pray with your families, and to join yourself to the sacrifice of the Mass by making an act of spiritual communion,” said Archbishop Gomez of Los Angeles.
“Following a joint conference call with all the bishops of Pennsylvania, effective immediately and until further notice, I wish to share with you that in union with all my brother bishops I am dispensing the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass,” Bishop David Zubik of said in a statement.
According to The New York Times, protestant churches, synagogues, and mosques have also closed down services, asking the faithful to instead participate in online fellowship:
In Cynthiana, Ky., where a Walmart worker tested positive for the virus, at least one church was scrambling to shut down its services, Bible study and supper club for the week.
At churches, synagogues and mosques across the country, people have been taking preventive measures for weeks, bumping elbows instead of shaking hands and whisking away communal cups meant for communion.
This week, a synagogue became the center of a one-mile containment zone in New Rochelle, N.Y., after a lawyer who attends the synagogue tested positive. And an Episcopal church in Fort Worth also announced it would not hold worship services this Sunday, after a rector was hospitalized with the virus.
Though not as widespread, certain dioceses have also put Catholic schools on lockdown. Check your local diocesan website to see if these suspensions apply to you.