KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Almost all public masses in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas are canceled until further notice amid the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann announced Tuesday that “all public celebrations of the Holy Mass” will cease effective 1 p.m. on March 17.
Furthermore, funeral masses will be limited to no more than 50 people, which includes all clergy and assisting ministers as well as family and friends.
The order also bars all funeral luncheons and limits the size of any funeral liturgy outside of mass to fewer than 50 people as well.
“Families and pastors are encouraged to schedule Memorial Masses for their loved ones in the future, when public health restrictions are relaxed, so that larger numbers may gather if desired,” according to a statement from the Archdiocese.
Communal penance services also are canceled, but priests are encouraged to continue to offer individual confessions at their regularly scheduled times, including Wednesday evenings during Lent.
“Confessions are to be heard only behind a screen or other barrier and not face to face,” the Archdiocese announced. “At no time should there be more than 50 people gathered in the church.”
Only parents, godparents and immediate family — assuming all are asymptomatic — are permitted at baptisms, which also are limited to a maximum of 50 people.
“I encourage all of the faithful to continue to join together in prayer for the health and protection of our entire community and nation, and for an end to this crisis,” Naumann said in a statement.
The Archdiocese also stressed that no individual who feels sick or shows signs of possible COVID-19 exposure — including fever, a dry cough or shortness of breath — should attend any church event.
Instead, the Archdiocese encourages anyone who is ill to seek medical advice and care.
