Updates to Mass Seating Capacity and Distribution of Eucharist

This week, Bishop Zubik issued a press release with his recommendations for church seating capacity and the distribution of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He asked that we continue to observe the precautions of "social distancing" (six feet between Mass attendees from different households) and mask-wearing. In addition, he noted that, as long as these precautions are in place, church seating capacity can be increased beyond the current "25% of seating capacity" limit. With this in mind, beginning Saturday, October 10, we'll be able to increase our capacity at our Masses: rather than two family groups per pew, we should be able to accommodate up to three groups per pew. This will allow up to 50% more seating capacity at our Masses! We'll increase the number of RSVPs available for our weekend Masses accordingly.

Also, Bishop Zubik encouraged the return to distribution of the Eucharist at its normal place within the Mass. We're still working out the details of how we'll implement that change; nevertheless, beginning Saturday, October 10, we'll distribute the Eucharist during Mass, rather than at the conclusion of Mass.

Bishop Zubik also mentioned that, at present, "the COVID restrictions of not offering the Blood of Christ and of not sharing the sign of peace remain unchanged."