In the interest of public health and safety, local governments have issued restrictions on certain activities in response to the coronavirus. Most recently this afternoon, Governor Hogan announced that all public schools in the State of Maryland will be closed from March 16 through March 27. As a result of this order, Archbishop Gregory has indicated that all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Washington will be closed during this same time frame of March 16 through March 27. Mr. William Ryan, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, will be forwarding additional information on this school closure to principals, pastors with schools and parents later this evening.
Additionally, the State of Maryland has ordered that no public gatherings in excess of 250 people may be held until further notice. As a result of this order, Archbishop Gregory has indicated Masses open to the public, in ALL archdiocesan parishes, missions, and campus ministries will not be celebrated starting this Saturday, March 14th until further notice. Weddings and funerals may proceed but attendance should be limited to immediate family.
Archbishop Gregory has also issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass during this time to all parishioners of the Archdiocese of Washington.
We will issue an Emergency Preparedness document with the latest guidance and information to you on Friday, March 13. It will include guidance on how to proceed in view of the impact of the current situation on parish and archdiocese day-to-day operations.
We realize this is a significant disruption to our carrying out the mission of the Church. We hope these changes are for a very limited period of time. Let us remember to keep each other — and all those impacted – close in prayer during these challenging moments.
With prayers and gratitude for your priestly ministry, I am
Reverend Daniel B. Carson
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia