Coronavirus: Diocese Of St. Petersburg Cancels Catholic Masses

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg announced Wednesday that he is canceling all Masses at Roman Catholic churches in the diocese, which includes Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando, Citrus and Pasco counties.

In making the announcement, Parkes said all Catholics in the diocese will receive a dispensation from the requirement to attend weekly Mass during the coronavirus crisis.

"Now that guidance has been given to further limit gatherings, and out of deep pastoral concern for the most vulnerable among us, after prayer and discernment, effective immediately, I have decided to suspend the public celebration of Masses in the Diocese of St. Petersburg until it can be determined that it is safe to return to normal schedules and public worship," said Parkes in a letter to parishioners.

Additionally, Parkes directed parish priests to postpone confirmations, penance services, social events and ministry gatherings unless they're determined to be essential by the church rector.

He is also encouraging parishioners to limit weddings and funerals to immediate family members. Baptisms will be celebrated only for emergencies (when the life of the unbaptized is in peril).

“We will provide other opportunities to remain in spiritual solidarity during this period," he said.

Parkes offered a list of suggestions to help parishioners practice their faith while Masses are suspended, including listening to or viewing the Mass online.

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Last week, Parkes ordered all 47 Catholic schools and early childhood centers with nearly 13,000 students in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties to close through Friday, March 20.

The church closures come during Lent, the largest religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar. Starting on Ash Wednesday and continuing through Easter, April 12, Christian churches typically have record crowds and depend on the offerings collected during this period to support the church during the coming year.

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