From: Most Reverend Bishop John Michael Botean To: Eparchial Clergy Date: 3-21-20
Fathers, it has come to my attention that there are things about the Official Instructions issued yesterday that need clarification, especially in cases where our policy is different from or seems to conflict with the local Latin dioceses. The clarifications follow below:
It is true that in my first instruction I asked you to pay attention to what was being done locally and to act consistent with local policy. That no longer applies. Our policy may well be stricter than what parishes in your area are doing. “Private” means no congregation. Even one person is a congregation in this matter. Some places have indicated that the church may remain open for private prayer, the lighting of candles, etc., while the priest is saying his private Mass. That kind of hair-splitting will not be tolerated. If you are celebrating a private liturgy in church, the church is to be locked. This instruction is not intended to exclude family members from participating in a private liturgy, however. Indeed, we are urging families to pray together during this crisis. In the case of the family of a priest, family members may participate in the liturgy, with due regard for the CDC guidelines for health and safety within families. The above exception can be extended to include anyone who lives on the campus of one of our churches. Similarly, one cantor may be permitted to participate provided the building remains locked at all times so as not to put his/her health at risk. Please note: this exception does not apply in those areas that are on “lockdown” or “shelter in place” orders as directed by local or state government. In those cases, no one who does not live on campus may attend liturgy. Monastic clergy are expected to limit their participation to the services in their monasteries and may not provide services in any other location. Monasteries should not allow the public to participate in monastic services.
Please remember that these restrictions, regrettable as they are, are for the health and indeed the survival of as many as possible in the course of this crisis. Something I had intended to ask for in the Instructions, but forgot to do so, was to ask you to keep the Chancery informed of the situation in your communities, both your parish communities and in the wider community in which you live. If there is anything else that needs to be clarified, too, please let us know. Blessings on your work!