Clergy Teams in the Diocese of Pittsburgh Self-Quarantine, New Directives Issued

Two clergy teams are in self-quarantine and two priests in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are in isolation after exposure to someone in the faith community who tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 27.  Father Adam Potter, who is the Parochial Vicar of the Greenfield, Hazelwood, Oakland grouping, as well as the chaplain for Oakland Catholic High School in Oakland; and Father Thomas Gramc, Parochial Vicar of Dormont, Mount Lebanon, Scott Township grouping, as well as chaplain at Seton La Salle High School have shown mild symptoms.  Both are being tested. Information is being shared with those who may have had contact with the priests. Both High Schools have been closed since March 13. Neither priest has had any contact with students or faculty since then.
 
The entire clergy teams at the parish groupings of (Saint Paul Cathedral-Oakland, St. Regis-Oakland, St. Rosalia-Greenfield, St. Stephen-Hazelwood) and (Saint Bernard in Mount Lebanon, Our Lady of Grace-Scott Township) have begun their 14-day voluntary quarantine today, March 28 ^, 2020.  Out of an abundance of caution and concern that these situations could be replicated in other parishes and parish groupings, Bishop David Zubik has issued the following modifications to the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s coronavirus response policies:

• While livestream celebrations of Masses from each of those affected parish groupings will cease effective immediately and until further notice, livestream Masses and worship services from the diocese and other parishes will continue.
• All opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in churches or church parking lots are immediately suspended at all parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
• All church buildings in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are to be locked until further notice, due to the fact that we are told that the virus can live on surfaces for an extended period of time.
• All Funeral Masses or services in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, inclusive of those at funeral homes, are immediately cancelled until further notice. Direct burials of the deceased should be celebrated with memorial Masses to occur at a later time.
• All Baptism ceremonies in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are suspended immediately and until further notice.  In cases of emergency (in danger of death), people should contact their priest for guidance.
• All Wedding ceremonies in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are suspended immediately and until further notice. Parishes will be working directly with all couples who have scheduled weddings.
• The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick may occur only in the case of immediate danger of death.  

“Several weeks ago, when I had to suspend the celebration of public Masses, I said it was the most difficult decision I have had to make as a Bishop. Today’s decisions are equally excruciating. Our pastoral responsibility requires us to provide for the needs of those entrusted to our care.  The most critical care we can offer to our people at this moment is to do all that we can to keep them connected with God and each other and to keep them safe in that care,” Bishop David Zubik said.
 
Further information is found in a letter from Bishop Zubik to the clergy and seminarians available at www.diopitt.org.