Coronavirus: Catholic Diocese of Venice cancels Masses until after Easter
Catholic churches in the Diocese of Venice, which include Manatee and Sarasota counties, are suspending Masses until at least after Easter due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane announced the suspension via a video on the diocese’s website and a letter to Catholics.
Dewane last week granted dispensation for Catholics worried about the pandemic to not attend Mass.
In a letter dated Wednesday, Dewane said all Masses and other church gatherings were being suspended until after April 12, after the Centers for Disease Control released new social distancing guidelines to limit person-to-person interactions, especially in large groups.
“Therefore, out of pastoral concern for all, and after prayer and discernment,as well as hearing from the priests and the Faithful, I announce that the regularlyscheduled Masses and other Liturgical events in Parish Churches in the Dioceseof Venice will be suspended from March 20, 2020, until after Easter, when the situation can be re-evaluated,” Dewane said.
Further precautions are being implemented as well and include:
- Classes will be suspended in all Catholic schools within the Diocese of Venice until March 30.
- All parish religious education and youth activities are suspended until March 30.
- Parish events should be postponed or canceled through March 30.
- Parish and Diocesan offices will remain open during this time.
The diocese will announce updates via its website and reminds Catholics in the diocese, which extends along the Gulf coast from Naples to Bradenton, that there is a televised Catholic Mass that can be watched on the diocesan website.
In his video announcement, Dewane encouraged prayer during this difficult time.
“My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in this Lenten season, with challenges, uncertainty and fear in our lives, let us turn toward prayer,” Dewane said. “Through prayer and trust, be confident in the belief that God does not abandon us in times of peril.”