The following is a statement from the Archdiocese of Denver which provides an update regarding the suspension of public Masses.
The Archdiocese of Denver has extended the suspension of public Masses through at least May 8, from the previous suspension end date of April 30.
However, we are currently in the process of developing guidelines and protocols to resume public Masses in a manner that will protect the health and safety of our parishioners, priests and other necessary staff, and also be in compliance with Colorado’s “Safer-At-Home” order, which limits groups to 10 or less in close quarters.
While public health orders now differ from region to region, most of our parishes are in cities and counties that have extended their stay-at-home orders through May 8, so we have chosen to extend our current suspension until we can finalize uniform guidance and best practices for all of our parishes.
Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila continues to gather input from our pastors, parishes and the faithful on how to best transition to this next phase, and we are working to have those guidelines available by early May.
The specific details are still being developed, but more information on what to expect can be found here. This next phase will include:
• Attendance restrictions.
• Social distancing and other precautionary health measures.
• Temporary liturgical changes.
• A general dispensation from the Sunday obligation.
We know how strong the desire is for us to be able to resume public Masses, and that some are getting frustrated as other areas of public life have remained open, but we believe the sacrifices we have all made are truly in the best interest of the common good and are done out of love for each other, our communities and our neighbors.
As we approach this next phase, we want to prudently take steps forward and not rush anything that would cause us to take steps backwards. We thank everyone for their patience, understanding and cooperation during this time.
NOTE: Parishes do remain open in a limited capacity. Please check with your parish for open prayer hours, sacraments, etc. Click here for details on the Stay-at-Home order.
