SC Catholic churches resume Mass “as society moves forward” in coronavirus outbreak
The Diocese of Charleston, which leads all of South Carolina’s Catholic churches, announced Saturday that it will resume public Masses on May 11 – marking the first time they will be held since the coronavirus outbreak hit the state several weeks ago.
In a statement by the Charleston diocese, Bishop Robert Guglielmone said the diocese had concluded that “now is the time to slowly reopen our parishes while at the same time taking the necessary steps to best preserve the health of parishioners and priests.”
The diocese suspended services March 24.
The diocese said that pastors will develop plans on how to resume church services based on public health recommendations, state government orders and the practices being employed by other parishes that have restarted services. The diocese also said that it must approve each pastor’s plan before it can be implemented in the churches.
In its statement the diocese acknowledged that “the risk of contracting COVID-19 will still exist,” and stated that “Bishop Guglielmone will continue granting dispensation” to those who still feel uncomfortable about attending weekend Mass – or who might be in high-risk categories for potential exposure to the virus.
In addition, Masses at the Chapel of the Holy Family in Charleston will continue to be streamed online.
This story was originally published May 2, 2020 at 4:10 PM with the headline "SC Catholic churches resume Mass “as society moves forward” in coronavirus outbreak."