Dear Holy Family COVID Update Group,
Late yesterday, Bishop Zubik issued the following changes for all Masses, effective immediately:
- Mask-wearing is no longer required in Diocese of Pittsburgh churches, inclusive of the distribution of Holy Communion.
- Until further notice, distribution of Holy Communion is to be continued under one species, i.e. the Sacred Host.
- Confessions may again be heard in confessionals, at the priest’s discretion.
- The “sign of peace” may be reintroduced within the Mass.
- As announced previously, holy water may return to the fonts.
At Holy Family Parish, all of our priests have agreed to hear confessions in the traditional confessionals, except for when additional confessors are present such as penance services. We may also GRADUALLY remove some of the ropes in social distance sections as that does not appear to be a strong preference for many. We will continue the Holy Communion services in parking lots at SJV and OLOJ and the FM broadcast Masses with Communion in the parking lot at SJB until no longer permitted. Bishop Zubik has indicated that that may end after September 6, 2021.
Let us all continue to remain focused on our faith in Jesus Christ and be respectful of one another in our individual preferences.
In Christ,
Father Kevin