The Diocese of Lafayette has suspended Masses and is limiting attendance at funerals and weddings until April 13.
In a letter distributed Monday, Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel explained that the action to suspend all daily and Sunday Masses was taken after “consultation with my fellow bishops of the state and out of an abundance of caution.”
He noted that his earlier dispensation from Sunday Masses remains in place.
Further, the bishop has directed that:
— Funerals (with immediate family only) are to be celebrated with graveside services only. A Memorial Mass is to be scheduled at a later date.
— Weddings are to be celebrated according to the Rite for celebrating marriage outside of Mass with immediate family only. Engaged couples should consider rescheduling their weddings, if possible.
— All confirmation ceremonies scheduled prior to April 13 are to be rescheduled for dates after Aug. 1.
— All parish gatherings, i.e. Lenten Missions, are also suspended until further notice.
“Though public Masses have been suspended, our obligation to praying and to sanctifying Sundays and Holy Week — beginning Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday — as a sacred time remain an important obligation of faith,” Deshotel said.
“Parishes will make arrangements for the faithful to have outside pick up of blessed palms (e.g. by automobile, under a canopy or some suitable place outside ) beginning at 5 p.m. on the eve of Palm Sunday and a locally scheduled time during the day of Palm Sunday.”
Parishioners are urged to check with their parishes for further details.
“Some form of devotion should be substituted (for Mass), especially on Sundays and most especially on Easter Sunday,” Deshotel urged.
Churches and chapels will remain open for private prayer (pending further regulations) with appropriate social distancing.
Further, the Sacraments of Anointing of the Sick and Confession will remain available as needed by the faithful, according to Deshotel, who added that priests should take necessary precautions if there is suspicion of COVID-19.
Parish offices will be open with reduced schedules according to the discretion of the pastor. Chancery offices will remain open (pending further regulations).
“In both cases, the faithful are encouraged to conduct as much parish business as possible by phone or email,” Deshotel said.
“It is with deep regret that these changes are put in place,” the bishop said. “It is especially difficult for us as Catholics to be without the celebration of the Mass and of the Holy Eucharist. This is truly a sacrifice.
“I encourage the faithful to pray, fast and offer generosity as we continue our journey through the holy season of Lent. The faith of our diocesan family is strong and I trust that this unique Lent and Easter season will be an opportunity for an even greater trust in the victory won for us by the cross and resurrection of our Divine Savior.”
The daily noon Mass and the Sunday 11 a.m. Mass from the Cathedral are live streamed on the home page of the Diocese of Lafayette website.
St. Mary Mother of the Church is live streaming its 8 a.m. Sunday Mass on its website.
Recommended spiritual practices
15 - 30 minutes of intentional prayer
Reading and meditating on the Bible, especially the reading of the day
Praying the Stations of the Cross. There are outdoor Stations of the Cross available in various locations throughout the diocese.
If prayed in groups, remember to keep appropriate spacing.
Praying the rosary individually or in small, well-spaced groups, perhaps outside
Praying the Litany of St. Joseph and / or of the Blessed Mother, Sacred Heart and of all the saints