Citing the surge in coronavirus cases due to the delta variant, the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg yesterday reinstated indoor mask requirements for priests and church volunteers, starting on Friday. That includes those who have received their covid vaccinations. In addition, the diocese says worshipers are “strongly encouraged” to wear a mask when attending indoor worship or events.
The mask requirement applies to all of those who are working on behalf of the church, including staff, ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, greeters, servers, parish event volunteers who are working indoors, faith formation leaders, and catechists. It also includes parishioners visiting the sick or homebound and any other indoor ministry.
Lectors and cantors may remove their masks while reading or singing.
Beginning this Sunday, the diocese is reinstating the obligation to attend Mass in person in Sundays and holy days, except for the sick, those with serious health risk, and those who live with a person who is at risk. The requirement to attend Mass is also suspended for those who have serious anxiety about attending church in person due to covid concerns.
Mask requirements were lifted within the diocese in May.
