Restrictions To Remain For Much Of Catholic Diocese of Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — While Bishop Michael F. Burbidge welcomed the phased re-opening of some areas of Virginia, he warned parishioners within the Catholic Diocese of Arlington that things would not be returning to normal for a good portion of his Diocese.

"While we would like to join together as quickly as possible, we must proceed cautiously, consistent with guidance from state and local officials and health experts, in an effort to continue protecting the health and safety of parishioners, volunteers, staff, clergy and all who serve throughout the Diocese," Burbidge said Friday, in a release from the Diocese.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an order Monday to allow a phased re-opening for much of the state. But, at the request of officials from Northern Virginia, he announced on Wednesday he would be allowing localities to decided when they would be entering Phase One of his Forward Virginia initiative.

The localities delaying their re-openings at least until May 29 include Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the City of Alexandria, many of which are in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.

"Parishes in Northern Virginia will not be able to celebrate public Masses at this time," Burbidge said, in his release. "However, all parishes in these Northern Virginia counties are permitted, but not mandated, to conduct Communion services, provided they are done in a manner consistent with existing social distancing protocols and health and safety guidelines. It is left to the prudential judgement of each pastor to determine if his parish is able to move in this direction. Please contact your local parish to see if it will be offering this liturgy."

Beginning May 16, parishes outside of Northern Virginia will be allowed, but not mandated, to resume the public celebration of Mass, provided the pastor is confident they can be celebrated safely and in line with diocesan protocols. Parishioners outside of Northern Virginia should contact their parish to find out if Mass will be celebrated.

Burbidge also asked the public not to travel to churches outside their area, due to capacity limits at those other churches.

"Until further notice, I am continuing the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation," he said, in the release. "I encourage those who are 65 years old or older, as well as those with underlying health conditions, to avoid gatherings of the general public and attending public liturgies."

For parishes eligible to celebrate Mass due to Phase One of Northam's re-opening, the following diocesan protocols must be followed:

• A gathering should not exceed 50 percent of the lowest occupancy of a room or facility.
• Parishioners must wear face coverings while on parish property.
• Not all parishes will be able to accommodate 50 percent capacity.

"Pastors of parishes outside of Northern Virginia have the discretion to decide if they can safely enter Phase One," Burbidge said, in the release. "For the health of our priests and in order to allow for thorough cleaning between Masses, not all parishes will maintain a normal Mass schedule."

The latest updates and resources from the Catholic Diocese of Arlington can be found on the Diocese website.

Also see ...

• Northam Details Businesses Allowed In Phase 1 Reopening
• Arlington Catholic Diocese Shares Coronavirus Guidance