One of the priests in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh who had been in isolation after exposure to someone in the faith community who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) has tested positive for the virus and continues to follow quarantine guidelines. Father Adam Potter, Parochial Vicar of the Greenfield, Hazelwood, Oakland grouping, as well as chaplain for Oakland Catholic High School in Oakland received the news about his positive test today, March 29, 2020.
Yesterday, another priest, Father Thomas Gramc, Parochial Vicar of the Dormont, Mount Lebanon, Scott Township grouping, as well as chaplain for Seton La Salle High School also began isolation, after he and Father Potter showed mild symptoms. Neither priest has had any contact with students or faculty of the high schools, since their closure on March 13. Information is being shared with those who may have had contact with the priests. Father Gramc is being tested for coronavirus.
As a result, the entire clergy teams at the parish groupings of (Saint Paul Cathedral-Oakland, St. Regis-Oakland, St. Rosalia-Greenfield, St. Stephen-Hazelwood) and (Saint Bernard in Mount Lebanon, Our Lady of Grace-Scott Township) began 14-day voluntary quarantine yesterday, March 28, 2020.
Out of an abundance of caution and concern that these situations could be replicated in other parishes and parish groupings, Bishop David Zubik yesterday issued modifications to the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s coronavirus response policies including the directive that all churches be locked until further notice, the suspension of the public celebration of all sacraments including reconciliation, and the immediate suspension of weddings, funeral services, and baptisms until further notice.
“Although we are not able to celebrate the sacraments publicly due to extraordinary circumstances, Jesus is still with us and working through us,” Bishop Zubik said.
Live-stream celebrations of Masses from the diocese and other parishes not affected by the quarantine will continue. More details on the new directives can be found in a letter from the Bishop to priests, deacons, and seminarians, available at
www.diopitt.org.