Yesterday, March 12, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order regarding the avoidance of large mass gatherings to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in Ohio.

Even though religious gatherings are expressly excluded in the order, the Catholic bishops of Ohio, out of concern for the common good and the physical as well as spiritual well-being of all of the people of Ohio, have agreed to cooperate with the governor’s direction to create “social distance”.

1.  Catholic faithful who reside in Ohio and all other Catholics currently in Ohio are dispensed from the obligation of attending Mass for the weekends of March 14-15, March 21-22, and March 28-29.  As much as possible, parish Mass schedules should remain unchanged to allow the faithful to offer worship to almighty God and receive the grace of the sacraments during this trying time.  However it is recognized that this may not be possible because many of our senior priests may themselves be at risk.  Understanding and flexibility are asked.  

2.  Installations and Confirmations between now and Holy Week (including on Palm Sunday) have been postponed.  With regards to Confirmations, Bishop Murry will delegate the Pastors to celebrate Confirmations at their parishes on a date of their choice.
 
3.  The following events have been postponed.ConfirmationsInstallations DPC Meeting- March 29Presbyteral Council Meeting March 17Lenten Morning Prayer at the Cathedral, Wednesday mornings at 9:30am.Retired Priests Luncheon March 19.

4.  After school on Monday, March 16, all Ohio schools K-12, including Catholic schools and PSR will cease gathering in person for the next three weeks.  

5.  All other gatherings of 100 people in accords with Gov. DeWine executive order are to be cancelled, This includes BINGO and Fish Fry’s.

6.  Please pray for all who are suffering from illness or disease of any kind and for an easing of the tension caused by this situation.

Both the flu and the Coronavirus are serious health hazards.  The Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has issued a number of prudent steps that are to be taken to protect the faithful at Mass and at other liturgical events.

1. If you are sick, do not come to Mass.  See item 1 above.
2. Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze at Mass or anywhere.
3. Use hand sanitizer if you cough or sneeze at Mass or anywhere.
4. Acknowledge others at the Sign of Peace without shaking hands.
5. All ministers of Holy Communion, priests and deacons and laypeople, MUST use hand sanitizer before distributing Holy Communion.
6. The distribution of the Precious Blood during Holy Communion is suspended.  The one exception is for people who must receive from the cup due to severe cases of celiac disease.
7. If you wish to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, please be careful not to touch the minister’s fingers with your tongue or mouth.
8. Intinction is not to be utilized as a means of distributing Holy Communion.
9. Holy Water fonts are to be drained or regularly cleaned and disinfected.  Parishes should make available small, personal bottles of Holy Water for parishioners who want them.

These are temporary measures that will be reviewed before Holy Week (The Weekend of April 4-5).  Please take all common sense steps as well as those outlined to assure at all times the health, safety and well-being of others.