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Diocese of Pittsburgh to reopen churches at about 25% capacity for weekend Mass

PITTSBURGH — Priests in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh getting ready to start offering Mass on and weekend Masses on June 6 and 7, officials said.

Bishop David Zubik announced some additional guidelines for those who want to attend in person:

  • Monday, June 1, 2020: Churches may open for daily Mass, in addition to private prayer and confessions, weddings, funerals, and baptisms, with no more than 25 people in attendance. Social distancing of six feet and all other safety guidelines must be followed.
  • Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2020, until further notice: Churches may open for weekend Masses, respecting social distancing of six feet, which equates to about 25% capacity. Each pastor will assess his specific situation and determine a method for keeping track of the number of people attending and controlling attendance so it does not exceed allowable limits.
  • Monday, June 8, 2020, until further notice: Daily Mass attendance is allowed to increase to 25% of the church seating capacity, maintaining social distancing, and all other safety directives. As the weeks progress, the percentage rate may increase based on the smoothness of this reopening process.

Also, livestreaming Masses will continue, Zubik said.

Diocese officials also said that not all churches will be reopening. The decision rests with a church’s pastor.

CLICK HERE for more details from the diocese about churches reopening