Despite some changes in capacity limits in Maryland in mid-March, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Baltimore won’t see many changes at their parishes for Holy Week and the Easter season.
When Gov. Larry Hogan Jr. lifted restrictions in Maryland March 12 on capacity for attendance at indoor venues, including houses of worship, his executive order acknowledged that both the Maryland Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend social distance in gatherings.
In the March 9 executive order, Hogan continued the mandate for people in Maryland over age 5 to wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth indoors at any location where the public is generally permitted, including religious facilities.
The CDC has long been recommending a social distance of 6 feet between individuals from different households, although it released new guidance March 19 that would allow students in elementary schools to be placed no less than 3 feet apart, while teachers and staff would still be required to keep a distance of 6 feet.
“Given the continued requirement to provide social distancing, which is currently prescribed by the CDC as 6 feet between individuals from different households, pastors are asked to arrange or continue to maintain seating in their churches to allow for an occupancy that meets these social distancing requirements,” said guidance sent March 19 from the archdiocese to parishes.
Parishes have been limited by the archdiocese to about one-third of capacity to allow for requisite social distancing. Parish staff have accomplished this by blocking off certain pews and having ushers guide Massgoers to seats.
The archdiocesan COVID task force meets regularly to monitor conditions in the state relating to the pandemic. In light of the governor’s executive order, Archbishop William E. Lori hosted two videoconferences March 15 and 16, attended by a total of more than 150 clergy and parish leaders. The consultation focused on Masses, noting a diversity of situations in the archdiocese.
Given the current restrictions, some parishes have had to use overflow rooms for Mass or have even had to turn people away. Other pastors, however, indicated that if the restrictions were loosened and people were sitting closer than 6 feet, their parishioners who had been attending might not feel comfortable, and would stay away from Mass.
Some priests also noted that as more people get fully vaccinated – two weeks after the single shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine or the second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine – they want to expand their activities, including attending Mass.
“It is very important for us to maintain our safety protocols during this time and follow the guidance provided by the CDC and keep to the appropriate social distancing of 6 feet,” Archbishop Lori said.
“We are all ready to get back into our churches at larger capacities and eventually 100 percent capacity. Our pastors are ready, our parishioners are ready, and I am ready, but we must remain vigilant on doing what is most safe.
“We are all looking forward to the day when we can go through our churches and remove the ‘do not sit here’ signs and masking tape x’s and go about celebrating the Eucharist in person, with our communities,” the archbishop said.
With no changes in the archdiocesan capacity guidelines, parishes can continue to celebrate Masses indoors or outdoors with masks and social distance. In the meantime, the archbishop has continued the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
According to the guidance released March 19, “The archdiocese will continue to monitor CDC recommendations, adhere to local and statewide safety protocols and move forward considering all factors involved in keeping our communities healthy and safe.”
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