As the State of Wisconsin enters a “safer-at-home” edict to help stop the spread of coronavirus, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has decided to cancel public Masses in what the Catholic Church deems its most important time of the year.
Archbishop Jerome Listecki sent a letter to fellow clergy and other church workers to let them know numerous steps that he feels must be taken in the interest of safety.
“The suspension of public celebrations of the Eucharist continues for Easter Sunday,” said Listecki in the letter. All Holy Thursday, Good Friday and other public Masses also remain halted.
“Some have said we should be willing to die to celebrate the Eucharist. I agree, (but) we shouldn’t be willing to kill to celebrate the Eucharist, meaning, what happens if we contract the virus? How many others do we put at risk, from caregivers and medical personnel to family, friends and others we would come into contact with before we even knew we were infected?”
The Archbishop encourages Catholics to continue to watch streamed Masses from home.
He also said any First Communions and Confirmations are being postponed until further notice.
