UPDATED March 17, 2020

Bishop Barry C. Knestout has prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people for any ministry within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. This is an updated directive from the March 16 press release issued by the diocese in light of Governor Ralph Northam’s press conference on Tuesday, March 17, in which he announced that gatherings of 10 or more people will be banned within the commonwealth.

For Immediate Release: March 16, 2020

In support of the guidance from federal and state public health officials, Bishop Barry C. Knestout directed the temporary suspension of all public Masses within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, effective immediately. The directive includes Sunday Masses, holy days and weekday Masses. The announcement follows growing concern of increased cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Commonwealth and Governor Northam’s ban on large gatherings of more than 10* individuals. Bishop Knestout made the decision in an effort to ensure public safety of the faithful, which he addresses in an open letter to all.

“As shepherd, I must balance the health and wellbeing of the community, ensuring we are cooperating with the common good, with continuing with the mission of our Church,” said Bishop Knestout. “I know there are many of our faithful who desire to attend Mass in person and this announcement will bring them great heartache. However, I feel this is a necessary step in the best interest of public health to protect against further infection. I ask the faithful to pray with me for an end to the pandemic, for the sick and all who are working to put an end to this virus.”

Bishop Knestout has also directed the following to take effect:

• All Confirmation liturgies are suspended until further notice.
• All weddings and funerals should continue with the attendance limited to immediate family members. The numbers should not exceed 50 people.
• Pastoral care by priests for the sick remains of the utmost importance during this time and will continue.
• Churches should remain open for individual private prayer, but gatherings of multiple individuals for prayer are discouraged.
• Non-essential meetings are cancelled. If an essential meeting is needed, it should not exceed 50 people.
• Priests will continue to celebrate their own private Masses daily to pray for their parishioners and the diocese.
• Bishop Knestout will livestream private celebration of Sunday Masses for the foreseeable future.
• Parishes with similar livestream capabilities are encouraged to do the same for their parishioners.

The diocese has created a webpage with information, helpful resources and communications within the diocese. You can find the information at https://richmonddiocese.org/coronavirus

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