The following notice is being sent to all parishes, schools, diocesan facilities and media outlets:

 

Effective immediately, and until further notice, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, has dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Despite the suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, all regularly scheduled Masses will remain open to the public for those who wish to attend.

 

Also, during a news conference Thursday afternoon (3/12/20), Governor Wolf encouraged religious leaders statewide to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and encouraged the suspension of large gatherings and events of 250 individuals or more. In the Diocese of Scranton, it is now strongly recommended that all non-essential parish and Diocesan events be temporarily cancelled or postponed.

Also, attached to this letter, is the latest updates regarding the Diocese of Scranton’s response to COVID-19.

 

Your careful adherence to these important matters is appreciated.  Let us continue to pray for one another.

 

Faithfully yours in Christ,

+Joseph C. Bambera 

Bishop of Scranton