Diocese of Tucson Announces Plans To Reopen Parishes

TUCSON, AZ— The Diocese of Tucson announced plans Friday to gradually reopen its parishes for the first time in several months for public worship.

"Because the situation remains highly fluid our reopening of parishes also will be marked by adaptations along the way," Tucson Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger said in a letter to parishioners. "Most especially, if at any time that we see an intensity in coronavirus contagion, an overwhelming of our healthcare facilities, or other factors that advise a change to our plans, then be assured that we will do so."

Individual pastors, at their discretion, will be allowed to provide holy communion beginning May 23. However, there will be no public masses at that time, but holy communion may be distributed outdoors.

Parishioners may be able to view a mass on television or via internet prior to receiving holy communion at their parish. According to the bishop, parishioners will need to check their local parish's website or Facebook page to determine if this will take place at their parish and how the local protocol to receive holy communion will be provided.

Sunday mass obligation has been suspended indefinitely for all Catholics living in or visiting the Tucson Diocese. No one is required to return to receive Holy Communion or return to in-person Masses at this time. Those age 65 or older, as well as anyone with a chronic health condition, are strongly urged to remain at home and not come onto church premises.

Beginning May 29, pastors may petition the Bishop for permission to begin limited public celebrations of the mass. Parishes will not automatically open on any particular day. Rather, each pastor must certify to his parishioners and to the bishop that basic safety protocols will be in place before their particular parish opens to the public.

Weekend masses can begin on Friday and extend through Monday, according to the bishop. However, there will be no public celebrations of any kind on Tuesday through Thursday to allow for additional cleaning as well as three days' time for any indication of the coronavirus to die.

Catholics likewise are urged to graciously and politely leave, should they approach a church and find a "church is now full" sign at the entrance.

To read the bishop's full letter on reopening, click here.

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