Resources for Reopening Churches

FDLC Synopsis

Twelve-page guidelines for the reopening of churches and the resumption of public Masses. This document is merely offered as a template for diocesan liturgical commissions and task forces who have been charged with preparing guidelines for the Local Church.  It suggests best practices and sample verbiage. Your own diocesan guidelines may have better ideas or alternative policies.  Always, state and federal government guidelines will play a part. These, too, may be updated regularly by medical experts and civil authorities.

This document is a compilation of sound liturgical principles as found in the liturgical texts. It draws upon recent data from regional conference calls, webinars, and meetings. We have listened to your concerns and noted your ideas. 

This document does not pretend to present chapter and verse on every relevant civil, canonical, or liturgical law; but it will contain general principles, some medical data, and proposed safety measures. It merely offers issues for your consideration.  Perhaps it will raise more questions than give answers, but I hope it will be a guide for your own diocesan and parish discussions.

The scope of this document is limited to the celebration of the Mass.  It does not address other sacramental rites. Finally, this document does not pretend to legislate. Only a diocesan Bishop may produce directives for his (arch)diocese and he will do that in broad consultation with his councils, commissions, and lay experts as well as civil authorities.

Resources from around the country

“Restoring Masses with a Congregation” webinar / Tony Varas, Diocese of Metuchen — Preparing for a phased-in approach post the COVID-19 sheltering at home. This webinar is for lay and ordained parish ministers. Since each parish will have a different approach, the webinar will share the key things to consider when developing your parish plan. 🌎 Visit website

Road Map to Re-Opening Our Catholic Churches Safely / Catholic Medical Association — Identifies safest practices for attending Mass, receiving Communion, and confessions. Prepared by members of the Ad Hoc Committee of Catholic Doctors in May 2020. 📄 Download PDF

Worship Services and Religious Gatherings Reopening Guidelines / American Industrial Hygiene Association — Expert, industry-specific guidance for both businesses and consumers to safely re-open and re-engage as they emerge from the COVID-19 quarantines. Prepared by members of AIHA, the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety. 📄 Download PDF (English) / 📄 Download PDF (Español) 🇪🇸🇲🇽

How Can We Keep from Singing / Patrick Gorman, Diocese of Madison — Research is showing that singing raises the risk of passing on the coronavirus and for that reason, restricting singing in churches is the proper response at this time. 📄 Download PDF

The Latest Science on COVID-19 and Singing / Jerry Hui, University of Wisconsin-Stout — This article tracks and summarizes the primary research on singing and choral teaching, in order to provide scientific evidence for organizations in an uncertain time. 🌎 Visit website

Diocesan Guidelines for the Reopening of Churches

Gradually and cautiously, the country is “re-opening” in phases. Many of you have been tasked with creating diocesan policies regarding the re-opening of churches and the resumption of public Masses. Below, please find samples from various (arch)dioceses, simply listed in alphabetical order. Of course, these may be subject to revision as states progress in their reopening. Please check the particular diocese’s website for more information and directives.  

• Diocese of Albany
  • Guidelines for the Gradual Reintroduction of Public Liturgies and Worship, Initial Stage (May 2020)
  • Specific Instructions for the Celebration of Funerals, Weddings and Baptisms (May 2020)
• Diocese of Arlington
  • Statement from Bishop Michael F. Burbidge Regarding Early Phase One Reintegration of Public Masses (May 2020) / Español 🇪🇸🇲🇽
• Archdiocese of Boston
  • Plan for safely resuming Masses at the beginning of Phase One (May 2020)
• Diocese of Burlington
  • Guidelines on Sacraments and Pastoral Care (April 2020)
• Archdiocese of Cincinnati
  • Guidelines for the Resumption of Public Worship (May 2020)
• Diocese of Cleveland
  • Music Ministry at Publicly Celebrated Mass during the Coronavirus Pandemic (May 2020)
  • Ritual Guide for Confirmation During the Pandemic (August 2020)
• Diocese of Crookston
  • Protocols to Prepare for a Return to Public Masses (May 2020)
• Diocese of Davenport
  • Re-Opening Churches in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic (May 2020)
• Archdiocese of Denver
  • Guidelines for limited public Masses (June 2020)
• Diocese of Des Moines
  • Phase 1 Liturgical Guidelines (May 2020)
• Diocese of El Paso
  • Resumption of Church Gatherings During the Covid-19 Pandemic (May 2020)
  • Celebrating the Sacraments in Time of Pandemic/Celebrando los sacramentos en tiempo de pandemia (Bilingual) (July 2020) 🇪🇸🇲🇽
  • Order for the Conferral of Confirmation Within Mass for Use During the Time of Pandemic (Bilingual) (July 2020) 🇪🇸🇲🇽
• Diocese of Gaylord
  • Protocols for Reopening Churches for Public Worship (May 2020)
• Diocese of Honolulu
  • Directives and guidance in preparation for the reopening of churches and the resumption of public Masses (May 2020)
  • Liturgical Directives for the Christmas Season During Time of Pandemic (December 2020)
• Diocese of Jackson
  • Pastoral Directives for the Reopening of Churches and the Resumption of Public Masses (May 2020)
• Diocese of Lansing
  • A Plan to Gradually Restore Full Participation in the Sacramental Life of the Church (May 2020)
• Archdiocese of Los Angeles
  • Guidelines to Begin the Process of Reopening our Parishes (May 2020)
• Archdiocese of Milwaukee
  • Return to Mass Directives, Guidelines and Considerations (May 2020)
• Archdiocese of New York
  • Faith Forward: Returning to Public Worship Guidelines for Sacramental Celebrations (Bilingual) (May 2020) 🇪🇸🇲🇽
• Archdiocese of Oklahoma City & Diocese of Tulsa
  • Information on the Resumption of Mass in Oklahoma (Bilingual)
• Diocese of Orlando
  • Bishop’s Letter and Guidelines (May 2020)
• Diocese of Palm Beach
  • Video and Letter from Bishop Barbarito Regarding Reopening Churches 2020 (Bilingual) (May 2020) 🇪🇸🇲🇽
• Diocese of Syracuse
  • Instructions for the Celebration of the Sacraments when Public Gatherings Resume (May 2020)
  • Parish Pandemic Form (Microsoft Word file) (May 2020)
• Diocese of San Angelo
  • Phase One Protocols for Public Liturgies (May 2020)
• Archdiocese of Seattle
  • Communion to the Sick Resource (July 2020)
• Diocese of Springfield, MA
  • Directives for reopening (May 2020)
• Diocese of Toledo
  • Gradual Restoration of Public Masses and Liturgies (May 2020)
• Archdiocese of Washington
  • Public Celebration of Mass and Holy Communion Outside of Mass (May 2020)
• Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
  • Phase Two: Reopening of Churches for Public Worship (May 2020)