KALAMAZOO, MI (WTVB) – Catholics in southwest Michigan will soon get a chance to go to church again but with social distancing and health guidelines in place.
The Diocese of Kalamazoo announced plans on Thursday to resume the public celebration of the Holy Mass at its parishes beginning on May 27.
The resumption of public celebrations will take place just in time for the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, May 31.
Bishop Paul J. Bradley suspended the public celebration on March 20 due to the serious health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the re-opening plan, parishes are to determine proper capacity of church facilities. Attendance is not to exceed 25 percent of capacity. Hygiene protocols would also have to be followed.
Bishop Bradley is also asking each pastor to convene a “Parish Preparation Team”, to assist in the preparation and planning to welcome back fellow parishioners.
Final guidelines are being finalized and will be released in the next few days.
Parishes throughout the nine counties of the Diocese adopted new ways of outreach including the live streaming of the Holy Mass.
