UPDATE March 14: Parishes in Contra Costa County required to restrict Mass attendance

On March 14,, Contra Costa County issued a decree banning all gatherings of 100 or more people under penalty of misdemeanor, from March 15-31. Exemptions were given for classrooms and hospitals, airports and dormitories, and homeless camps. But no exceptions were made for houses of worship. Sunday Masses in our Contra Costa County parishes will proceed as follows: 1. Priests may still conduct Mass for up to 100 people. Attendance may already be down because of the dispensation from the Sunday obligation and general health concern. 2. Mass may be cancelled. (The extreme option). 3. At the suggestion of some pastors, an excellent middle option: Expose the Blessed Sacrament on the Altar all day Sunday. People can come in and pray at the time of their convenience. A priest or deacon can be available all day to offer Holy Communion. Give the people a leaflet with Sunday Scripture and a short reflection, which they could take home for further prayer. This will diffuse the attendance, let people spread out in the church, and still offer them spiritual nourishment and support.