Pittsburgh Diocese to open churches to full capacity

Starting on Memorial Day, all Diocese of Pittsburgh churches will be allowed to have 100% seating capacity for Mass. Masks, however, still will be required in accordance with state orders.

The announcement comes on the heels of Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision last week to lift covid-19 mitigation orders except for the requirement that masks be worn indoors. Priests, deacons, readers and cantors have the option of removing their masks when speaking or singing as long as they maintain a safe social distance from others.

“I’m really excited that we can accommodate more people,” said the Rev. Tom Burke, pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Parish, a group of three churches in Pittsburgh’s East End.

Burke said he looks forward to welcoming a full house into the parish’s St. Bede Church in Point Breeze: “To be able to take the ropes down and accommodate people instead of every other pew is something I welcome. To be able to have full seating capacity is definitely a sign of hope that we’re turning the corner.”

As part of Wednesday’s announcement, Bishop David Zubik urged pastors to think about maintaining an area of pews designated for socially distanced seating.

“We are eager to welcome more people back to Holy Mass and to the reception of Holy Communion. We are excited to be moving in this direction,” Zubik said. “We know that people have been longing for spiritual health care and the healing power of Jesus. For those who have not been attending Mass in person, we’ve missed you. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.”

The Diocese said parishes will continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing protocols, which currently state that buildings should be cleaned once a day. Summer festivals and other nonliturgical events are permitted as long as all covid protocols are followed, the diocese said.