Bishop plans virtual Masses at parishes

Bishop Larry J. Kulick announced plans this week to celebrate virtual Masses at parishes across the Diocese of Greensburg in April, May and June. Each can be found online at www.dioceseofgreensburg.org. 

At the beginning of each stream, pastors will give a welcome to both the in-person and virtual audiences. Each was selected because of its existing media connectivity, which will enable the Bishop to preach to the entire Diocese of Greensburg. Each parish has continued to stream Mass, even though the world is slowly reopening.  

Bishop Kulick’s series of Masses around the Diocese begins April 18 with the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Kittanning and concludes with the 4 p.m. Mass June 26 at St. Therese, Little Flower of Jesus Parish in Uniontown.

In between, he will celebrate Mass at parishes in each of the four counties of the Diocese – Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland.

The dispensation of the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is still in place. But when that dispensation is lifted, and when COVID-19 finally runs its course, pastors will encourage the faithful to think about coming back to be physically present in the House of God. Each is expected to ask parishioners to reflect on what physically receiving the Body and Blood of Christ means to each of us, and the important difference of watching Mass in person and watching it from our homes. 

The physical presence of our community gathered in prayer has always been an important component of our faith. There is a huge need for all of us to be in the presence of God and receive the presence of God. We need that physical connection with the Lord and with each other.

If you are vaccinated, and starting to feel more comfortable venturing out, the parishes of the Diocese of Greensburg welcome you. Each continues to seat people socially distanced, requires masks or face coverings, and cleans and sanitizes between each Mass. 

“As the pandemic passes, I pray that your desire for Communion with the Lord through the Eucharist and in-person worship once again becomes strong,” Bishop Kulick said.