Churches around the Valley are canceling services after the CDC recommended no mass gatherings of over 50 or more, and President Trump is recommending limiting gatherings to ten people.
Both the Catholic and Episcopal Diocese of Arizona will be canceling services.
There will be no weekday or Sunday masses in the Diocese of Phoenix and funerals and weddings will be limited to 10 guests.
Confessions are to be celebrated outside the confessional in the main church or parish office, according to Bishop Olmsted with the Diocese of Phoenix.
The churches and chapels will remain open for private prayer but they advise protocol for social distancing must be observed.
In a statement to the church goers, Bishop Olmsted went on to say:
"While these directives are a hardship and deeply painful for us all, they are sensible and in line with the guidance of the President and the spirit of the CDC’s directive. Due to the highly fluid nature of this crisis situation, the Diocese continues to monitor this situation closely. Additionally, parishes are asked to place a large sign on the front doors of the church notifying the faithful of the following:
- Bishop Olmsted has dispensed all of the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.
- Catholics are encouraged to make a Spiritual Communion, to pray the Rosary and other devotional prayers during this time.
- You may also list the times and channels for TV Mass in English and Spanish as well as radio, YouTube, and Facebook if you wish."
They also say the diocese will follow these guidelines until further notice.
