The Diocese of Sioux City has canceled masses for at least eight weeks over the coronavirus pandemic. | Pixabay
The Diocese of Sioux City has canceled masses for at least eight weeks over the coronavirus pandemic. | Pixabay
The Diocese of Sioux City last Monday canceled all masses in Northwest Iowa for at least eight weeks to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
During this time of Lent, and with Holy Week and Easter approaching, that means Catholics cannot attend services, reported the Sioux City Journal.
“This has been the most difficult decision I have made during my time as bishop. The health and well-being of all people in the diocese, as well as all Catholics, is of the utmost importance at this time. I ask all the faithful for their understanding and to join me in prayer for the end to this public health crisis," Bishop R. Walker Nickless said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends no gatherings of 50 or more during this pandemic, and the bishop indicated that parishes will return to normal services “when it is safe to do so.”
Not only are Easter and Holy Week services and Sunday masses cancelled, but funerals, weddings and baptisms are also impacted.
Baptisms will be celebrated only with immediate family and godparents, reported the Sioux City Journal. For weddings, only witnesses and immediate family members can be in attendance. For funerals, only immediate family members can attend.
No receptions can be held in parishes and the clergy are not allowed to attend the wedding social event. And for the young who were to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation in the spring, that has also been suspended until further notice.
Pastors are urged to broadcast masses electronically and churches may remain open for private prayer.
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