Mass cancellations extended through Easter
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh announced Friday as expected that public Masses and other gatherings are canceled at least through Holy Week and Easter.
The announcement came as public health officials have indicated the need for continued social distancing to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Bishop David Zubik had canceled Masses beginning March 16 until further notice, and Friday’s announcement confirmed this will last through the holiest series of days of the liturgical calendar.
“Although we will observe Holy Week in a different way, the heart of the sacred week remains intact,” Bishop Zubik said in a statement. “Jesus is bringing people together in new ways.”
Holy Week for Catholics begins April 5 with Palm Sunday and includes Good Friday, when Christians mark Jesus’ death. That is followed by Christians’ celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday, which is April 12.
Catholic churches will remain closed to gatherings of more than 10 people.
Some churches are remaining open for individual people to go in and pray. A list of livestreamed worship services that will be led by Bishop Zubik or held by other parishes during Holy Week and other times is at www.diopitt.org.
The bishop typically goes to the Allegheny County Jail on Holy Thursday to wash the feet of inmates, imitating the example of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, but that will also be omitted this year.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh announced Thursday it has postponed all confirmations, first reconciliations and first Holy Communions scheduled for April.
The diocese also announced Catholic schools and faith-formation classes are postponed at least through April 14. Youth ministry also is suspended through that date.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh already has asked its congregations not to hold public gatherings through Easter. Most other religious congregations are also expected to cancel services at least through midApril.
On Thursday, the Catholic diocese announced a coronavirus emergency fund to help parishes struggling with lost income due to the cancellation of services. Information is also on the diocesan website.