Nov. 18 - Bishop Barber revises protocols for attending liturgies and reception of Holy Communion - Diocese of Oakland CA

On November 18, 2020, Bishop Barber issued the following statement about revised protocols for attending liturgies and reception of Holy Communion:

OAKLAND – Catholic parishes in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, which constitute the Diocese of Oakland, have revised their protocols for Catholics to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion, effective immediately.

“Our first consideration since this crisis began has always been the spiritual and physical health of our faithful. We rely on medical professionals and government requirements to inform our decisions,” Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, wrote when issuing the guidelines. The guidelines apply to Masses, weddings, funerals, baptisms, confirmation, quinceañeras and other sacraments and rituals.

No indoor services with a congregation are allowed. Parishes are encouraged to keep churches open for individual, private prayer, outside of scheduled services.

The diocese recommends that parishes livestream Masses (more information here) to their parishioners. Other acceptable options are to hold services outdoors, with individuals following county health requirements by being masked and standing or sitting at least six feet apart; or outdoor services with parishioners remaining in their cars. Details for all three options have been provided to parish pastors and staff.

“The safest option, by far, is to livestream Masses, and encourage the faithful to make a ‘spiritual communion’ from home,” Bishop Barber advised parish leadership.

Bishop Barber has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice, and the distribution of the Precious Blood is suspended indefinitely.

In a letter to the faithful released Nov. 18, and published in The Catholic Voice, the diocesan newspaper, Bishop Barber encouraged Catholics to rediscover the concept of “domestic church.” “Your home is a holy place. Worship the Lord there,” he wrote.

Administrators for diocesan schools are reviewing the counties' guidelines; decisions regarding whether instruction will be in-person or online will be made by the individual schools. “We have always emphasized a measured and balanced approach, taking the county recommendations as our lead, and working closely with the faculty, staff and parent community in our decision making,” explained Kathleen Radecke, superintendent of schools. “We have always prioritized the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students and that remains our focus.’