OKC archbishop issues mask mandate
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley said Thursday masks or face coverings are required to be worn by individuals attending all public Masses and church activities in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Coakley announced the new mandate in a “Letter to the Faithful” as the latest in a series of precautionary measures that have already been put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Previously, masks or face coverings had been encouraged but not mandatory.
Coakley said the new requirement was necessary because of the increased number of COVID- 19 cases in Oklahoma since early June. In his letter, the archbishop told parishioners that the coronavirus has affected some of their family members and friends and more than a dozen priests, as well.
“With that in mind, and after much discussion and prayer, I am requiring masks (shields or face coverings) to be worn by all priests, deacons, parishioners, church staff, volunteers and anyone serving in ministry at public Masses, parish events and gatherings, and in parish offices starting Saturday, July 11, until further notice,” Coakley wrote.
“This precaution applies to anyone age 6 and older. Masks already are required to be worn by chancery staff members at the Catholic Pastoral Center and during Daily Mass at the Saint Francis de Sales Chapel.”
The archbishop said the mask requirement is temporary and he will continue to monitor the coronavirus crisis and adjust precautionary measures accordingly.
“Thankfully, most of our cases have not been severe or resulted in loss of life. For that I am incredibly grateful,” he said in his letter.
“To keep our parishioners and our priests safe, we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our parish communities.”
The archdiocese encompasses 185 parishes across two-thirds of the state.