Posted on 12/19/2021 6:35:20 PM PST by marshmallow
The new mask mandate will be in place anywhere mass is celebrated, and for all events including weddings and funerals, the Archdiocese of Boston said Thursday.
Face coverings are making a comeback for parishes within the Archdiocese of Boston for the holidays.
“I will definitely feel safer coming to church knowing people are wearing masks,” said churchgoer Moran Brister of South Boston. “In fact I might not go otherwise.”
The Archdiocese announced Thursday that masks will be required for a one-month period before and after Christmas and the New Year season.
“Quite extraordinarily we’re seeing yet another spike and we assume it’s because of both cold weather and the convergence of holidays and people congregating close together inside where there’s not a lot of ventilation,” said MC Sullivan, chief health care ethicist for the archdiocese.
Sullivan, who is also a nurse and has led the church’s pandemic response, says some parishioners may decide to stay home if they have to wear a mask for in-person services, but it works the other way as well.
“We also hear about people who have been staying away because there aren’t masks in place,” said Sullivan.
Cardinal Sean O'Malley, who is traveling to Rome, commented on the mask mandate Thursday night, noting it is being implemented as an important safety measure with COVID cases on the rise.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcboston.com ...
Fear is a sin. Time for them to find another church
Empty pews and empty collection baskets is a message they will understand.
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