The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has stated that Catholics in the area will not have to fulfill their obligation to go to Sunday Mass this month if they are concerned about the spread of coronavirus.
Parishes will still celebrate Mass during those Sundays of March, but people will have the freedom to judge whether they feel safe doing so.
“If people are fearful about crowds or if there are people who are older or suffer from an existing medical condition, we do not want to put them at any additional risk,” Archbishop Listecki said in a statement.
“These are measures to prevent an increase in the spread of a virus and serve as a safety net for the next two weeks. After that, we will reevaluate.”
The Archdiocese suggests people devote the same level of time to “private prayer and reflection” if they choose not to go to Mass.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has stated that Catholics in the area will not have to fulfill their obligation to go to Sunday Mass this month if they are concerned about the spread of coronavirus.
Parishes will still celebrate Mass during those Sundays of March, but people will have the freedom to judge whether they feel safe doing so.
“If people are fearful about crowds or if there are people who are older or suffer from an existing medical condition, we do not want to put them at any additional risk,” Archbishop Listecki said in a statement.
“These are measures to prevent an increase in the spread of a virus and serve as a safety net for the next two weeks. After that, we will reevaluate.”
For those that do continue to attend church, Listecki tells WTMJ there are other precautions that can be taken.
That includes not shaking hands during the sign of peace.
“We’re asking people to use different gestures,” says Listecki. “If I smile and nod to you, that’s fine. “There are other ways to accomplish that, you don’t have to necessarily do the handshake”
Parishioners are also being given new guidance when it comes to receiving communion.
“People have an option when they come up for communion, either communion of the hand or communion of the tongue. We certainly discourage the reception of communion of the tongue.”
For Archbishop Listecki’s full interview on Wisconsin’s Morning News, click in the player above.