The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh issued new directives Friday regarding confession, general absolution, and the Lenten obligation of abstaining from eating meat on Fridays in its continuing response to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.

Bishop David Zubik said in a press release that priests are permitted to offer the sacrament of reconciliation and hear confessions in church parking lots, following guidelines aimed at preserving anonymity and privacy.

“Our faithful need reassurance of God's mercy now more than ever,” Zubik said in a press release.

Additionally, general absolution may be granted to patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities where priests are not allowed to personally interact with patients or staff due to COVID-19 restrictions. This can be done by calling 412-961-4888 and be broadcast over a PA system or by some other means so that the patient hears the priest's voice.

Zubik said priests throughout the diocese have also expressed concerns about restrictions being placed on them being able to celebrate the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in nursing homes and hospitals. The bishop contacted the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Friday and asked church officials to intervene with the Governor and request an exemption to clergy from the current ban.

Lastly, Zubik said Catholics can eat meat on Fridays during Lent, except for Good Friday.

“As you are aware, many of the shelves and cases in our supermarkets are sparse if not empty. This is a time when pastoral necessity has informed my decision effective today,” the Bishop said.