Archdiocese of Miami cancels Mass, other religious events as coronavirus crisis deepens
The Archdiocese of Miami suspended celebrations of Mass and other liturgical events in parish churches and other sanctuaries. The decision took effect on Wednesday.
The cancellation, as a response to the coronavirus pandemic and its spread in South Florida, includes any parish or ministry event such as prayer groups and Bible studies.
Funerals, or other events that can’t be postponed — or baptisms or weddings that had been scheduled — may still be celebrated but with scaled-down changes, the archdiocese said. The Roman Catholic Church in South Florida is limiting attendance to immediate family members only “who are not sick and are not advised by their doctors to self-isolate. Appropriate social distancing should be observed,” spokeswoman Mary Ross Agosta said in a statement.
The parishes remain open, although in isolated fashion, such as by phone or email.
“Priests who are otherwise not impeded are expected to celebrate daily Mass for the intentions of the faithful albeit without their presence. Also, priests and other parish staff who are not sick or otherwise advised to self-isolate, while exercising prudence and observing social distancing, will be available to the faithful at the parish offices,” the qrchdiocese said.
Parishes are encouraged to livestream celebrations of Mass that priests lead to empty pews.
“These efforts will enable the faithful to continue to remain close to the Lord and the church in this challenging time, while protecting one another and the community against COVID-19,” said Archbishop Thomas Wenski in a statement.
The archdiocesan website will list parishes and links that livestream Masses and other devotions and will update the list as needed.
In addition, Radio Paz-830 AM, the Archdiocese of Miami’s Catholic radio station, continues to broadcast in Spanish. Relevant Radio-880 AM and 1080 AM broadcasts Catholic programming in English.
A locally produced Haitian Creole program is also presented on Relevant Radio at 2 p.m. Saturdays.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 1:36 PM.
