KALAMAZOO, MI (WTVB) – Catholic Bishop Paul Bradley has temporarily suspended public celebrations of the Holy Mass in the Diocese of Kalamazoo beginning this Friday, March 20 through Palm Sunday.
Last week the church granted a general dispensation from the obligation to attend Holy Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, if an individual felt the need to do so. Wednesday afternoon Bishop Bradley issued a letter, saying in cooperation with the directives of the Center for Disease Control and the Governor beginning Friday, March 20, 2020, all public celebrations of the Holy Mass are suspended until at least April 5, 2020.
The Diocese of Detroit suspended public masses last Friday, with the Diocese of Saginaw, Lansing, and Grand rapids following suit this week.
Bishop Bradley says he will be monitoring the situation throughout the coming weeks, and will make further decisions as information is available.
The celebration of the Sacraments, including the Sacrament of Penance, Baptism, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, Funerals and Eucharistic Adoration can continue, in following with certain guidelines, and must be kept under 50 people.
