Aug. 6, 2020 "Update on Diocesan Directivesfor Health and Safety During the Coronavirus Pandemic" 

"A Message from Bishop Mark

By now you have heard about a person who tested positive for the Coronavirus and attended Mass last weekend at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Johnstown. Public notice was made with due regard for the teaching and discipline of the Church concerning the necessary balance between the fundamental right of a person’s privacy and the common good of others (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2491-2492). That person did the right thing in notifying the Church so that others could be made aware and take any precautions...

The Sunday celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of the life of the Church. It is not an individual thing, even as each person receives the Body and Blood of Christ. The Holy Eucharist is all about the Church, the holy people of God being made into and renewed together as one...

That means masks are not optional when you come to church. I know that in some parishes people are not wearing masks. No one likes wearing them. But we need to do it for our individual good and the good of others. Wearing masks applies to everyone, including the bishop; all priests and deacons; readers; altar servers; ushers, and all the people. I have heard health experts say that wearing a mask is the single most effective means of stopping the spread of the Coronavirus.

Using hand sanitizer is also a must...

The directives now in place are to have a cantor/song leader and no choirs. But there are places where choirs are still being used. That needs to stop.

There is to be proper physical distancing. For the most part people are seated according to the plan adopted in each church. However, there are churches where people are not keeping a distance when they come forward to receive Holy Communion.

And in some places the people are stopping in the back of church or in the vestibule to speak with one another and their pastor; and everyone has already removed their masks before they are outside and away from others. There should be no gathering in groups inside a church during this time.

I think you get the picture. But once again, I am urging you to complete the picture. There are gaps and people are telling me about them. They have every reason to be concerned. In making me aware of their concerns, they are always thinking about the common good..."

Please click here to read Bishop Mark's complete message.