The Catholic Diocese of Lafayette released a statement today that announced the cancellation of all public masses until April 13, 2020.

Bishop Deshotel, in his statement, said that the health and safety of the public is the top priority of the Diocese:

Upon consultation with my fellow Bishops... all public masses (weekday and weekend) in the Diocese of Lafayette will be suspended until April 13, 2020 - Diocese of Lafayette

The Bishop adds that even though masses are canceled, that doesn't mean that Catholics are off the hook:

...our obligation to praying and sanctifying Sundays and Holy Week...as a sacred time remain an important obligation of faith - Bishop Deshotel

 

The press release contains practices to use to substitute for mass, as well as plans for Palm Sunday. Churches and chapels within the diocese will be available for private reflection and prayer as long as congregants practice safe social distancing.

You can read the complete press release on the Diocese of Lafayette's Facebook Page.

 

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