As variants of the COVID-19 virus continue to spread, the Diocese of Pittsburgh has updated safety procedures at Mass. Bishop David Zubik is urging everyone to get vaccinated and to wear masks when indoors with others.

Effective immediately:

•All ministers of the Eucharist, ushers and greeters must wear masks while engaging in their ministries,

regardless of their vaccination status.

•As a change in a previous announcement, outdoor Masses may continue until further notice. (Previously

it was announced that outdoor Masses would cease as of Sept. 1.)

Zubik met virtually on Friday with all the Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania and signed

their joint statement about COVID-19 safety and the Mass. As previously announced, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days will resume on the weekend of Aug. 14-15, but with the age-old

exemptions for those who are sick, at risk, are caregivers and also for those with concerns about being in a

crowd because of COVID-19.