Camden Diocese Cancels Services Due To Coronavirus

CAMDEN, NJ — All public weekday and Sunday masses in the Diocese of Camden are canceled until further notice in accordance with the latest guidelines from state and federal officials about social distancing to prevent the spread of new coronavirus.

Masses are canceled even if attendance is fewer than 50 because, generally speaking, it is the older faithful who are most vulnerable that usually attend, according to Bishop Dennis Sullivan.

Since the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life, all priests in the Diocese of Camden must celebrate Mass privately for the good of the Christian faithful entrusted to their care and in satisfaction of the intentions of those who have made an offering for Mass, Sullivan said.

“As this is a fluid situation, I ask for your patience and perseverance. No one knows how long the restrictions imposed on New Jersey residents will last. We will provide updates and resources as they become available,” Sullivan said. “I have asked our pastors to find ways of communicating with parishioners on a regular basis during this time of crisis and separation from our communal spiritual lives. Providing prayer lines; social media gatherings; regular information and such can help people, many of whom may feel isolated.”

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The diocese also made the following decisions regarding the administration of the sacraments:

• Baptism – the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism may take place as long as the attendance at each celebration is limited to fifty. This may require parishes to reschedule baptisms.
• Penance – since confessions are held individually, times may be scheduled as the pastor sees fit for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance. Lenten Penance Services are to be cancelled.
• Confirmation – The diocese will work with individual parishes in regard to the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation during the month of March. In keeping with restrictions on the size of gatherings, the celebrations will be restricted to confirmandi, sponsors and parents.
• Anointing of the Sick – priests will continue to provide the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, but must take all necessary germ protection precautions in place at an individual’s home, nursing home or hospital.
• Marriage – pastors should discuss with couples whose weddings are scheduled in March and April. A wedding ceremony or Mass may be celebrated, but attendance should be restricted to no more than fifty persons.
• Funerals – funeral liturgies with or without Mass may be celebrated in the parishes of the Diocese with due regard to the Governor’s mandate to limit the gathering to no more than fifty persons.
• Adoration – pastors may expose the Blessed Sacrament for a period of time each day so that the faithful may come, pray and unite themselves in spiritual communion with the Lord. However, a reminder about social distancing should also be posted.
• Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum– any decisions in regard to the celebration of Holy Week, the Chrism Mass and the Sacred Triduum will be made as we monitor the situation.

To read the full message, visit camdendiocese.org.

See related: Camden Diocese Closes Schools Amid Coronavirus Concerns