212 Churches In North Jersey Get Green Light To Hike Attendance

NEWARK, NJ — The Archdiocese of Newark approved higher attendance limits for 212 churches in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties on Tuesday.

Churches in the archdiocese will be allowed to have 150 participants or fill 25 percent of their capacity – whichever is less. The new rules apply to public Masses, Baptisms, weddings and funerals.

The archdiocese had previously capped the size of indoor gatherings at 50 people.

Face masks will still be required, and social distancing will continue to be enforced. Parishes must continue to sanitize pews and other common surfaces after each Mass.

Archdiocese leaders said the decision is based on recently expanded state guidelines on indoor gatherings. READ MORE: Gov. Murphy Raises Capacity Limit For Indoor Gatherings

“Mass attendance remains voluntary,” the archdiocese stated. “Those who do not feel safe or who have compromising health conditions should not participate at this time.”

Many parishes are livestreaming Masses online to keep a spiritual connection with Catholic worshippers who can’t attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days. See a list here.

“The archdiocese remains committed to the health and well-being of its people and will continue to monitor trends and consult with the expert guidance of public health, state and federal officials, and will adjust restrictions as appropriate,” spokespeople said Tuesday.

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