March 13, 2020

Bishop suspends Masses, parish activities until further notice; schools to close

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski has issued the following directives regarding parishes and Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Springfield:

COVID-19 Updated Diocesan Directives

Based on the current situation as well as the statements made today by Gov. Baker and the president, Bishop Mitchell Rozanski has issued these updated directives:

1) All Masses and other activities are suspended in all parishes until further notice. I would strongly urge parishioners to view our televised Mass, the “Chalice of Salvation,” which airs in Berkshire County at 6 a.m. Sunday on WXXA, Fox23 Albany; and elsewhere on WWLP-22News Sunday morning at 10 a.m. And there will be two livestreamed Masses, Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m., via a link at Www.stagnescc.com. 

2) The only exception for parish-based activities would be Take & Eat programs, which may continue at the discretion of the pastor. 

3) All pastoral in-home and nursing home visits are to be discontinued unless the individual is in critical condition. 

4) Catholic schools will close for two weeks.

5) In light of these circumstances, the planned ACA (Annual Catholic Appeal) In-Pew Commitment Weekend will be rescheduled to weekend of April 18/19 2020.

6) Working with risk management and environmental consultants, we are developing a comprehensive response plan to help guide us in the coming days, weeks and months.

IMPORTANT EDITOR’S NOTE: In light of the directives noted above, Bishop Rozanski has excused all Catholics of the obligation to attend Mass as long as these measures are in effect.