On Monday, Bishop Alfred Schlert of the Diocese of Allentown announced that they have decided to cancel all public masses effective immediately.
The cancellations were made to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
The Diocese of Allentown comprises five counties: Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill.
According to a press release, the Bishop acknowledged the strong devotion the people have to the Holy Eucharist, and has not made this decision lightly, but rather through prayerful discussion and in cooperation with public health officials.
Priests will continue to offer private Masses for the intentions of the faithful. They will continue to be available for confessions, but schedules may vary. Churches will remain open for extended periods of private prayer. Weddings, funerals and baptisms will continue, but attendance will be limited to family members.
For those that feel strongly about the attending mass, the press release stated that "The Bishop understands this strong connection that individuals have to their faith, but believes that it is in the best interest of all parishioners, and of the public at large, to further limit large gatherings. This is especially true for those of advanced age, or of compromised health, who are most vulnerable."
“This is a time for our priests to be with their people, and to be even closer with them, even though this change seems to distance them from their flocks,” said Bishop Schlert. “Let me assure you that priests will continue to be available to the faithful, and will be creative in the ways they serve the people entrusted to their care.”
Last week, the Bishops of Pennsylvania jointly lifted the obligation for the faithful to attend Saturday Vigil/Sunday Mass during the Coronavirus crisis.
According to a press release, the Bishop acknowledged the strong devotion the people have to the Holy Eucharist, and has not made this decision lightly, but rather through prayerful discussion and in cooperation with public health officials.
Priests will continue to offer private Masses for the intentions of the faithful. They will continue to be available for confessions, but schedules may vary. Churches will remain open for extended periods of private prayer. Weddings, funerals and baptisms will continue, but attendance will be limited to family members.
For those that feel strongly about the attending mass, the press release stated that "The Bishop understands this strong connection that individuals have to their faith, but believes that it is in the best interest of all parishioners, and of the public at large, to further limit large gatherings. This is especially true for those of advanced age, or of compromised health, who are most vulnerable."
“This is a time for our priests to be with their people, and to be even closer with them, even though this change seems to distance them from their flocks,” said Bishop Schlert. “Let me assure you that priests will continue to be available to the faithful, and will be creative in the ways they serve the people entrusted to their care.”
Last week, the Bishops of Pennsylvania jointly lifted the obligation for the faithful to attend Saturday Vigil/Sunday Mass during the Coronavirus crisis.
Information Received from a Diocese of Allentown Press Release