INDIANAPOLIS — Concern over the coronavirus is forcing churches to make worship changes. In the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, masses will continue to be celebrated.
That announcement was made late Thursday.
While masses will go on as scheduled for now, Archbishop Charles Thompson dispenses Catholics in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.
Catholics who are elderly, particularly those with underlying health conditions, and those with a compromised immune system or who are ill are especially encouraged to take advantage of this dispensation, according to a statement from the Archdiocese.
To avoid possible disease transmission during Holy Communion, priests, deacons, alter servers, sacristans and extraordinary minister are urged to practice good hygiene. That includes hand washing before and after Mass or even using an alcohol-based anti-bacterial solution. Additionally, all vessels used at Mass, once purified, should be thoroughly washed with soap and hot water.
