Bishop William F. Medley announced that as of today, he is temporarily suspending the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days until further notice.
“This is a constantly evolving situation and the concerns across our diocese are very real,” he Medley said in a news release. “While all of the parishes in the Diocese of Owensboro still plan to offer Mass this weekend (March 14-15), I want individuals who feel vulnerable, especially senior citizens or those with underlying health conditions, to know that they are not obligated to attend Sunday Mass.
“Catholics should use their prudential judgement as to whether or not they will attend Mass. For those who are ill, considered ‘high risk,’ or ill at ease with the thought of attending Mass or other gatherings, you should use your own discretion in light of this situation.”
Medley is also temporarily suspending the distribution of the Precious Blood and temporarily suspending the practice of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue.
At this time, it is still up to the pastor’s discretion on whether or not to continue to hold classes, gatherings, fish fries and other parish events.
“It is important to note that this is a rapidly changing situation and I will continue to provide updates as we at the diocese are continually monitoring what is shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Medley said.
For those who cannot and/or choose not to attend Mass, local EWTN Mass times can be found here https://www.ewtn.com/tv/channel-finder.
Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in order to free up federal resources to combat coronavirus, and this morning Gov. Andy Beshear recommended that senior centers temporarily discontinue all in-person activities.
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
