Coronavirus: Rhode Island Bishop Suspends All Masses

PROVIDENCE, RI — All Catholic masses have been indefinitely suspended in Rhode Island following Governor Gina Raimondo's call for the cancellation of all events and gatherings with 25 people or more. Diocese of Providence Thomas Tobin called the decision a painful, but necessary one to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

"[This] is the most painful decision I’ve had to make in my 27 years as a bishop," Tobin said. "I cannot imagine asking our people to go without Mass and Holy Communion, especially as Easter approaches. But, it has to be done."

The new policy will go into effect Tuesday and continue until further notice. While funerals and weddings can go on as scheduled, though the size of the congregation in attendance will be limited to meet the Rhode Island Department of Health's guidance and mass will not be celebrated at these events.

"This is an exceedingly difficult and painful decision, but it is necessitated by our commitment to promote the health and well-being of our brothers and sisters, especially the frail and the elderly," Tobin said. "That is a moral priority we should all share."

The announcement comes after Tobin said Catholics were no longer obligated to attend weekly mass, and urged unwell or elderly parishioners to stay home. At the beginning of the crisis, new recommendations were implemented across the diocese, including the suspension of shared wine goblets, stopping handshaking during the sign of peace and call for all parishioners, especially those distributing communion, to use hand sanitizer upon entering and leaving the church.

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