Diocese of Pittsburgh announces new safety protocols in response to surges in covid

All Diocese of Pittsburgh priests, deacons, choir members and everyone entrusted with the distribution of Holy Communion must wear masks during Mass, according to new safety protocols announced by diocese officials Friday.

The diocesan protocol updates are based on the surge in community spread of covid and the highly contagious omicron variant, officials said.

Other safety protocol updates include:

• Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, servers, greeters, ushers, lectors and cantors must wear a mask.

• Faith formation leaders, catechists and those who visit the sick or home-bound must wear a mask.

• Those distributing Holy Communion must also sanitize their hands immediate prior to distribution, and throughout distribution as necessary.

• The presentation of the gifts has been suspended until further notice.

Officials said the protocols will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis as more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health care officials becomes available.

Diocese officials had previously recommended those attending Mass to wear masks regardless of vaccination status, as well as encouraging those not feeling well to stay home.

The practice of shaking hands to offer the sign of peace is suspended until further notice, as is the presentation of gifts.

Livestream Mass options will continue to serve those who are not able to come in person.

Officials strongly recommend any parish events outside of Mass be either canceled, rescheduled or held virtually.

Bishop David Zubik and other Catholic leaders across the world have encouraged all who are eligible to get covid vaccines and booster shots to get them, especially the most vulnerable.

“I am grateful for the faith, love and patience that our people have shown throughout this pandemic,” Zubik said in a statement. “Please join me in prayer for all of those who are ill and who have lost loved ones.

“We also pray that God will continue to guide the medical researchers and health care professionals to bring about a swift end to this pandemic.”