RETURNING TO PUBLIC WORSHIP
We believe that public worship can continue to take place safely in an era of social distancing.
The archdiocese is working with state and local officials to realize its goal of bringing the Mass and sacraments back to the Catholic community responsibly and expeditiously with its Faith Forward plan.
QUICK FACTS
• The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is suspended until further notice
• Those who are at a higher risk for COVID-19 (i.e., those who are older than 65 or who have underlying health conditions) are urged not to come to church for Mass
* Those who cannot attend Mass may be encouraged to spend time daily reading the Scriptures, praying with their families, watching a broadcast or live-streamed Mass, and making an act of spiritual communion.
• Those who feel in any way sick (e.g., oral temperature higher than 99.5°F, cough, chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell) or who are worried about attendance should not enter the church.
• In accord with current state policy, the faithful (over 2 years old) must wear cloth face coverings when in public, including when they come to church.
• Parishioners should sanitize their hands prior to entering the church for Mass or other public prayer opportunities.
• All present at Mass should sit 6 feet or more away from others.
* Families may sit together.
We believe that public worship can continue to take place safely in an era of social distancing.
The Catholic community in New York is eager to resume public worship in a safe and responsible way.
The resumption of public worship incrementally in each phase will be announced by the Vicar General's Office in the coming weeks, in consultation with health and government officials and in consideration of the current health situation.
* It is expected that different regions of the archdiocese will begin the process of reopening at different times.
The archdiocese looks forward to working with state and local officials to realize its goal of bringing the Mass and sacraments back to the Catholic community responsibly and expeditiously with its Faith Forward plan.