CHARLOTTE — Parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte may offer Mass outdoors for groups of more than 10 people starting this weekend.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has relaxed the state’s “stay-at-home” order to allow larger in-person worship services effective Friday, May 8, as long as they are held outside. The state has seen a slowdown in the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and the governor’s move is part of a “phase one” easing of restrictions on travel, business and public gatherings.
Priests received updated guidance from the Chancery May 6.
This opportunity for larger outside public gatherings gives the faithful another option to consider for public worship and for receiving the Eucharist during the pandemic.
A few churches in the diocese have already been offering Masses in their parking lot, but parishioners have had to remain in their cars. Now, people may get out of their cars and sit spaced apart on lawn chairs or picnic blankets, if they like.
Other options that continue – at the pastor’s discretion and in accord with liturgical norms – include Masses and Communion services inside churches for up to 10 people at a time.
Parishes have been using online registration services such as SignUpGenius and posting instructions on their websites to manage attendance at these restricted indoor services.
People should check their parish’s website and social media for the latest information.
Whether liturgies are held indoors or outdoors, all churches are continuing to follow public health directives to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
When out in public, people are urged to remain at least 6 feet apart (excluding members of the same family or household), wear a mask or cloth covering their nose and mouth, and wash or sanitize their hands frequently.
The Sunday Mass obligation remains suspended, and everyone is asked to exercise prudence in deciding whether to attend Mass in person. People who are ill or vulnerable to infection are still strongly encouraged to stay at home and attend Mass virtually on TV or streamed live online.
For a list of parishes offering livestreamed or recorded Masses online, go here: http://catholicnewsherald.com/88-news/fp/5651-massonline
— Catholic News Herald.
Pictured: Father Casey Coleman, pastor of St. Mary, Mother of God in Sylva, distributes Holy Communion to Mike Ensley, parish council communication commission chair and one of the head ushers. Following public health protocols during the liturgy, everyone remained spaced apart except during reception of Communion, wore masks and used hand sanitizer frequently. (Photo by Della Sue Bryson, correspondent)