Pittsburgh Diocese postpones sacraments, limits attendance at weddings, funerals

The Diocese of Pittsburgh has postponed or cancelled some sacraments, cancelled all parish events and ordered limited attendance at weddings and funerals because of coronavirus concerns.

According to a directive issued Monday by Bishop David Zubik, until further notice, attendance at all weddings and funerals conducted under diocesan auspices should be limited to immediate family. All government-imposed restrictions on the number of people at public gatherings are to be obeyed, Zubik said.

While the diocese has suspended all public Masses, small, private family baptisms may occur outside of Mass. They are not to include multiple children from different families.

Instructors will communicate details to those preparing for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

First Reconciliations, First Communions and confirmations scheduled for March will be rescheduled for dates after April 1. The Light is on for You, scheduled for April 1, has been cancelled.

Communal celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is suspended until further notice. Priests will offer Anointing of the Sick on an individual basis following health and safety guidelines related to the coronavirus.

Zubik directed parishes to cancel all scheduled events until further notice.

Churches will remain open for private prayer, but social distancing must be maintained among those attending, Zubik said.

“We will be working to reassure people and help them with ways to live and strengthen their faith during this unprecedented time,” Zubik said in a press release.