Diocese of El Paso will scale back to Suspended Status in the Diocesan Protocols for Church Gatherings Effective October 27-November 8
El Paso, Texas – October 26, 2020—Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso has mandated that Parishes inside of El Paso County re-enter suspended status of the Diocesan Protocols for Church Gatherings effective October 27, through November 8th. Suspended status states that all church gatherings are limited to just those necessary to facilitate the gathering or live-streaming of Mass, not to exceed 10 people. Funerals, weddings, baptisms, and similar liturgies are postponed. Church meetings and classes should either be postponed or held virtually. Churches will be closed. Confession is available by appointment only. The Diocese will re-evaluate the next phase of church gatherings protocols after November 8th.
The Catholic Diocese of El Paso supports the call of our County Judge and Mayor asking all residents of El Paso County to remain at home to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Bishop Seitz expressed his grave concern for the rise in coronavirus cases in El Paso county over the last several weeks: “Our entire community ought to be very concerned about the unprecedented number of posi1ve cases that have been reported over the last several weeks, Bishop Seitz said. “This virus is a mortal threat to many and is spreading unchecked at this time. We must come together as a community out of concern for all who are vulnerable among our families.” he added.
Bishop Seitz also expressed a need firts for the Diocese of El Paso to be a model leader in helping curb the spread of this dreaded virus. “By returning our parishes in El Paso County to suspended status, we will do our part to ensure the safety of not only our Catholic Faithful, but all members of our El Paso Community,” Bishop Seitz said. “I urge you to contnue to pray for our entire community and especially for those who are ill at this time and for our leaders. You are in my prayers as well. United in love for one another we will come through these difficult times,” he ended.