ARCHDIOCESE ANNOUNCES UPDATE FOR LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS AT CATHOLIC PARISHES ACROSS L.A. ARCHDIOCESE
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has announced updated guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 among its faith community given new guidelines set by State of California and local county officials. Parishes in all three counties in the Archdiocese – Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara – included in the directives will discontinue indoor Masses and other liturgical services, effective immediately, in accordance with state directives. The updated guidelines are attached.
Outdoor Masses and other liturgical services such as adoration and prayer services are allowed and encouraged. Parishes may continue to celebrate Confessions, First Communions, Confirmations, Funerals, and Weddings outdoors on the parish grounds.
All parishioners and visitors must wear face coverings and practice social distancing, even outdoors.
Additionally, Governor Newsom’s directives include closures of parish offices to the public. Pastors may allow a minimal number of essential parish staff members to continue working in the office provided that social distancing is observed. Parishes have continued to serve their communities providing Masses online and much need social services, such as food pantries and hot meal distributions, to communities in need.
The Archdiocese is committed to limiting the spread of COVID-19 among its community of faith and helping faithful protect each other in these challenging times.
For more information on the efforts of the Archdiocese during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.lacatholics.org.
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