The Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge on Friday urged parishioners who are elderly, ill or at a higher risk of becoming ill to refrain from attending upcoming Mass.
Bishop Michael Gerard Duca wrote that people are “dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass” from Sunday, March 15 through Sunday, April 12. That period may be extended if the pandemic causes a prolonged state of emergency.
Those with any symptoms should stay home from church as a precaution to not spread possible illness to others, Duca wrote.
Sunday and Daily Mass schedules remain unchanged but could be altered from week to week if necessary. Parishes are encouraged to cancel all unnecessary gatherings and large social events.
