But a precise date is still unknown.
From Currents in Brooklyn:
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn are making plans for Catholics to return to Mass and the sacraments in a way that cares for both the “souls and bodies of our people.”
During a joint press conference on May 21, held at the Church of Our Savior in Manhattan, the leaders of the two dioceses said that religious gatherings are “essential services for the wellbeing of people.”
The New York cardinal applauded area Catholics for their “constant allegiance to the very wise restrictions of our respected healthcare professionals and elected officials,” but said it was time to make plans for a gradual return to an adjusted normal.
The current “NY Forward” program managed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, which outlines the necessary steps for re-opening the state, does not outline a process for how houses of worship can reopen their doors. In response, the archdiocese has proposed a five-phased plan, titled “Faith Forward,” which outlines various stages to precede the eventual full resumption of Masses and sacraments.
Bishop DiMarzio said that the Diocese of Brooklyn will be releasing a similar plan in coming days, which is being overseen by Joe Esposito, the former Emergency Management commissioner for the City of New York and a parishioner in the diocese.
Phase One of the Archdiocese of New York’s plan begins with the opening of churches for private prayer and confessions, followed by a phase allowing for baptisms and marriages limited to 10 attendees. Phase Three will allow for the distribution of communion outside of Mass, followed by a phase allowing for daily masses and funeral masses with limited attendance, and the eventual final phase will include the celebration of Sunday Mass with supervised protocols.
Cardinal Dolan said that he anticipates a one- to two-week period of time in between each stage.
The report says that while no date has been proposed for re-opening churches, the cardinal feels
“six weeks would be good.”
Maybe by 4th of July?
You can watch the press conference below.
