Baltimore Archdiocese To Phase In Reopening After Coronavirus

BALTIMORE, MD — Despite the governor's announcement that churches may reopen at 50 percent capacity effective at 5 p.m. Friday, the Archdiocese of Baltimore is not resuming Mass. It created its own plan for reopening.

"It’s not a very pastoral thing to put people in harm’s way," Archbishop William Lori said in a statement.

The reopening plan created by the Archdiocese of Baltimore would allow baptisms, funerals and weddings during the first phase. Only 10 people would be allowed to attend these services. Churches would also be open for private adoration and prayer as well as confession.

A date for the first phase of reopening has not been set, according to a statement Wednesday from the archdiocese, which includes Anne Arundel, Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard and Washington counties as well as Baltimore City.

"Our Phase I guidance will not be altered until we’ve had a chance to fully understand how the governor’s announcement practically impacts our parishes, which are working to procure necessary supplies and to adapt church facilities so they are safe and in compliance with governmental and public health regulations," according to a statement from the archdiocese.

This first phase of the archdiocese's plan calls for including sanitizer at places such as entrances and exits, near the restrooms and at the altar. It also suggests using painters tape as markers to show people how much space is needed for physical distancing.

People will need to wear masks and are instructed how to move their face coverings aside to receive communion in a video created by the archdiocese, which says the priest does not have to wear one except during communion. Other staff and volunteers must wear masks and gloves.

Hymnals will not be in the church to prevent touching of surfaces, and church doors will be open so nobody has to touch handles. Wine will not be given at communion, and those who wish to receive a wafer are not allowed to be wearing gloves. There will be no "peace" exchanges between members of the church.

"We want to be able to resume hearing confessions, opening our churches for prayer," Lori said in a statement. "We’re looking toward the many who are awaiting baptism ... who have delayed their marriages."

While people cannot gather in person for Mass, they can congregate virtually.

Mass will be broadcast from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, with Lori presiding, at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, on MyTV Baltimore — Comcast channel 24, Verizon channel 509 and DirecTV/DISH channel 41.

Read the full statement on reopening from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and see its plan.

See Also:

• MD Stay-At-Home Order Lifted; Some Jurisdictions To Reopen

Watch the archdiocese's video "What to Expect When You Return to Mass":