Public Masses Suspended, Fish Fries Cancelled, Other Events Modified

As concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus continue to grow, Bishop Edward C. Malesic, after consulting with the Presbyteral Council and senior staff, has decided to temporarily suspend all weekday and weekend public Masses in the Diocese of Greensburg effective Wednesday, March 18th. Tuesday will be our final day of public Masses until further notice.

Where possible, churches will remain open for private prayer.

Bishop Malesic urges the faithful to remember in their prayers all those whose lives have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

“This is a seriously contagious illness. We have trust that God will see us through but we must do our part to not overwhelm our hospital systems. We have a responsibility to our neighbors. These actions help us to be proactive in stopping the spread of the disease.” Bishop Malesic said.

Priests will continue to respond to all pastoral emergencies and provide Anointing of the Sick for the critically ill and dying.

OTHER IMPORTANT DECISIONS

While public Mass is being suspended during this time, the diocese recognizes that many other important events need to be considered. Priests in the Diocese of Greensburg should act with sensitivity and work with parishioners to use common sense measures to improve the safety of each event or postpone as many as possible.

  • For baptisms, funerals and weddings, an effort to scale back attendance to immediate family would be preferred.
  • Fish fries, bake sales, all faith formation programs and the public celebration of Stations of the Cross, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Morning/Evening Prayer and Rosary are all suspended.

STAYING CONNECTED TO YOUR FAITH

The Diocese of Greensburg encourages parishioners to stay connected to their faith.

  • Mass will be streamed across the diocese on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. The link will be available on the diocesan website and all social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
  • Online resources including Home Prayer Services and pray-along Rosary videos will be available beginning this weekend.
  • Daily prayers for the sick will also be available on all diocesan social media platforms.

As the situation develops, the diocese will be working with parishes on an outreach plan to those who will be most affected by illness or the isolation that coronavirus creates.