Bishop David Zubik Issues Directives for Sacraments and Parish Activities

Update (March 26, 2020): 

Faith Formation Suspension Extended:
Following the lead of our Catholic schools, the suspension of parish faith formation programs and youth ministry will be extended through April 14, on which day classes may resume should public assembly be permitted at that time. Determination should be made locally by the pastor/administrator and catechetical administrators whether sufficient formation has been completed to end the K-8 catechetical year at that time, or if days should be added to the original calendar.  Regarding sacramental preparation, care should be taken to complete the "immediate preparation," or the most essential content required for reception of the sacrament, as outlined in the diocesan curriculum guidelines.  
 
Confirmation: 
All scheduled Confirmations for the month of April are postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.
 
First Reconciliation and First Communion:
All First Reconciliation groups and First Communions for the month of April are to be postponed and rescheduled for a later date.Click here to read new measures enacted concerning the Mass, the Sacraments, and faith formation programs.With a continuing commitment to protect health and safety due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, and in the wake of suspending all public Masses in the diocese until further notice, today Bishop Zubik issued directives regarding sacraments and other parish activities.
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The following guidelines are effective immediately and until further notice:
 
Baptism
The celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism, outside of Mass, is permitted.  In order to limit any potential spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to a vulnerable population, only a small private family baptism should be held. Multiple baptisms of several children from different families is not permitted. All state and local government-imposed restrictions on the number of people at public gatherings are to be obeyed.
 
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
RCIA Instructors will communicate with those preparing to be received in the church with further details. 
 
Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion
All First Reconciliations and First Communions for the month of March are to be postponed and rescheduled at another date. Dates for First Reconciliation and First Communion after April 1, 2020 will be determined in the future depending on the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus.
 
Sacrament of Confirmation
All scheduled confirmations for the month of March are postponed and will be rescheduled.  Confirmation dates after April 1, 2020 will be determined in the future depending on circumstances surrounding the coronavirus.
 
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Light is on for You, scheduled for April 1, 2020 has been cancelled. Parishes will be offering regularly scheduled times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Health guidelines regarding social distancing will be followed.  
 
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Communal celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is suspended until further notice. Priests will offer Anointing of the Sick on an individual basis following health and safety guidelines related to coronavirus.
 
Funerals and Weddings
Until further notice, weddings and funerals may proceed but attendance should be limited to immediate family. All state and local government-imposed restrictions on the number of people at public gatherings are to be obeyed. 
 
Parish Events and Activities
In compliance with the requests of governmental leaders and sound medical practices, parishes must cancel all scheduled events until further notice.
 
Church Buildings
While churches will remain open for private prayer, including adoration, there will be no scheduled “services” that would bring people together at a specific time. Social distancing must be maintained if people attend church for private prayer.
 
“During this time of unknowns, concerns about access to the sacraments have created anxiety among the faithful. We will be working to reassure people and help them with ways to live and strengthen their faith during this unprecedented time. I continue to ask all of us to come together in prayer, especially with the intercession of the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph to guide and protect us,” Bishop Zubik said.