ARCHDIOCESE ANNOUNCES UPDATE FOR LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS AT CATHOLIC PARISHES IN L.A. COUNTY
December 23, 2020  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has announced updated guidelines for liturgical celebrations given latest protocols issued by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. The updated guidelines are available at https://lacatholics.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COVID-19-Liturgical-Guidelines-Options-for-Masses-20201222.pdf.

Under new protocols issued by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health on December 19, 2020 (available here), parishes in Los Angeles County may resume indoor religious services, provided there is space for social distancing of at least six feet between family units, all in attendance wear face coverings, and measures for cleaning and sanitization are followed. Parishes in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties must continue following previously established protocols for outdoor in-person or livestream only worship.

In a letter to priests and pastors in the Archdiocese, Archbishop José H. Gomez noted that it will be safer to continue celebrating outdoor Masses. Likewise, the Los Angeles County Public Health strongly recommends that places of worship continue to hold services outdoors. However, if a pastor believes it is better to offer live-streamed Mass only or to celebrate Mass indoors (if permitted by his County and in keeping with their protocols), he may proceed accordingly.

Parishes who can and choose to return to indoor in-person worship must observe all protocols issued by their respective County.

####