An Update from the Archdiocese on COVID-19

March 16, 2020
 
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced this afternoon the suspension of Masses amid the current health threat due to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
 
“I deeply regret that we are forced to temporarily suspend public celebration of the Mass in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles,” said Archbishop José H. Gomez in a statement to the faithful of the Archdiocese. “What we do in the Church, we do out of love for God and love for our brothers and sisters. We are taking this extraordinary step today out of love and concern for those in our families and communities who are most vulnerable to this deadly coronavirus.”
 
Archbishop Gomez stressed that the decision was “not made lightly,” and that it was made after “much prayer and reflection” and in consultation with the Archdiocese's auxiliary bishops, Council of Priests, lay advisors, and government and public health officials.  
 
“I ask your continued prayers for all those who are afflicted with this virus and those who are afraid and vulnerable. I also ask you to pray and reach out to help the many families who are facing difficulties as a result of this emergency. We also need to keep in our prayers all the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and public health and civil authorities working to contain the outbreak of this virus and treat those who are sick,” stated the Archbishop.
 
Catholic are encouraged to continue to pray at home with their families and join to the sacrifice of the Mass by making an act of spiritual communion.  They are also encouraged to participate in the Holy Mass via the Internet. The Archdiocese will provide a livestream of non-public Masses celebrated by the priests from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels daily and on Sunday via Facebook, @lacatholics, ( facebook.com/lacatholics/) or visit  lacatholics.org/emergency/. The daily Mass (M-F) in English at 12:10 p.m. and the Sunday Masses in English at 10 a.m. and in Spanish at 12:30 p.m. will be livestreamed.