May 21, 2020

Ascension Thursday

Dear Member of the Family of the Archdiocese,

It is undeniable that one of the most difficult aspects of the ongoing crisis caused by Covid-19 continues to be the temporary suspension of public Masses and sacraments. Although there are livestreamed Masses available through the parishes of the archdiocese, we all eagerly await the return of in-person practice of our faith.

For the past number of weeks, several priests of the Archdiocese of New York, members of the curia and I have been discussing with each other and consulting with medical experts on the best way to reopen our churches. Today, we held a press conference to introduce these guidelines for a safe and gradual reopening of our churches.

I’d like to share that video with you, here:

In addition, here are the documents detailing our safety procedures, so that you can familiarize yourself with the precautions that will allow us to work with state and local officials to bring the Mass and sacraments back to the Catholic community in a responsible and expeditious manner.

Thank you for your patience and your faith as we work together to reopen our churches.

Faithfully in Christ,

Reverend Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte, VG