Today Bishop Pates provided details for the diocese’s Phased Re-Opening Plan.

In summary, the Plan calls for two Phases:

Phase 1
Allows for limited sacramental celebrations and private prayer including the following:

• Baptisms
• Weddings
• Funerals
• Reconciliation

Phase 1 limits the number of attendees in the church to no more than 10.  Parishes will not be allowed to offer either daily or Sunday Mass, even with 10 or fewer attendees.

The parish may enter Phase 1 after proper training and certification protocols have been followed with the Diocese.

Phase 1A
Allows for parishes to reopen for private prayer and adoration with a limit of 10 attendees.

The parish may enter Phase 1A after additional training and certification protocols have been followed with the Diocese.

Phase 2
Allows for reopening for weekday and weekend Masses for larger groups depending on the guidelines from the state and the capacity of the church building.

Progression to Phase 2 will be granted once all preparations have been made and permission has been granted by public authorities.

For details of the plan please see Bishop Pates’ cover letter here and the Plan details here