Diocese of Pittsburgh Churches Open to Full Seating Capacity May 31; Masks Still Required

Given Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s announcement of May 4, 2021 regarding changes to COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the state, Bishop David Zubik announces the following updated directives:

Effective Memorial Day, May 31, 2021 and until further notice, all Diocese of Pittsburgh churches may be open at 100% seating capacity.  Bishop Zubik encourages pastors to consider maintaining an area of pews marked for socially distanced seating to accommodate parishioners who may feel more comfortable attending Mass in that way.

In accordance with state orders, masks must continue to be worn inside churches and parish buildings. As previously announced, priests, deacons, readers and cantors may remove their masks when speaking or singing while maintaining a social distance from others. 

Parishes will continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing protocols, which currently advise that buildings should be cleaned once a day. 

As previously stated, summer festivals and other non-liturgical events are permitted, as long as all current COVID protocols are followed.  Many of our parishes are excited to be holding summer festivals this year.  A diocesan parish festival guide will be posted on the Pittsburgh Catholic website,  https://pittsburghcatholic.org/.

“We are eager to welcome more people back to Holy Mass and to the reception of Holy Communion. We are excited to be moving in this direction,” said Bishop Zubik.  “We know that people have been longing for spiritual healthcare and the healing power of Jesus.  For those who have not been attending Mass in person, we’ve missed you.  We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.”