Greensburg diocese to begin in-person Mass on June 1

The seating and the passing of peace may look a little different but, beginning June 1, Catholic churches in the Diocese of Greensburg will celebrate Mass — in person.

Diocesan officials announced Monday that parishes can once again begin public Mass. Parishioners will be required to wear masks and remain 6 feet apart, the passing of peace will no longer include handshakes, and parishioners are encouraged to take Communion in the hand.

“We might find that other practices need to be altered as well as we learn to live in this ‘new normal’ for the time being. Our clergy, my staff and I will do everything we can to help you understand these changes and remind you that we must always proceed with caution, empathy, understanding and faith,” Bishop Edward C. Malesic said.

Holy water and baptismal fonts will be drained.

The move follows the reopening of churches for private prayer on May 15, part of a plan laid out by the diocese’s Committee for Recommencing In-Person Worship and Operations.

“For the foreseeable future, all people will remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays,” Malesic said. “I ask that you make your own prudent and informed decision on whether to attend Sunday Mass or not, after taking your own situation into account.”

Malesic said dispensation should be used in particular by the elderly and those with medical conditions that places them at greater risk for contracting covid-19.

Livestreamed services will continue and text alerts are available by texting the word “FAITH” to 724-305-3057.