The Diocese of Austin on Tuesday evening suspended all masses, effective immediately, to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
Priests will continue to offer daily and Sunday masses privately in the parish sanctuaries, which are not open to the public, said the Rev. Joe S. Vásquez, bishop of Austin. Many of these private masses, especially the Sunday mass, will be made available on parish social media, he said.
“While I hoped we would be able to continue to celebrate public mass, I made this decision after prayerful discernment and in light of recent recommendations from public health officials,” Vásquez said in a statement.
Parish churches will remain open during normal hours for private prayer and devotionals, he said. All communal penance services in parishes are canceled.
Funerals and weddings will be celebrated privately with only close family and friends in attendance, following the limitations in any county or city order, he said. All confirmation masses will be rescheduled for a later time.
Priests should remain available for the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, observing public health advisories regarding social distancing, he said.
“As I share in the hopes, griefs, and anxieties of the Christian faithful during this uncertain time, I ask that we continue to pray for the strength to persevere by God’s grace, remembering to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord,” Vásquez said.
CORONAVIRUS IN TEXAS: What we know, latest updates
Credit: Source link
