The Diocese of Venice has announced that the regularly scheduled Masses and other Liturgical events in Parish Churches in the Diocese of Venice will be suspended from March 20, 2020, until after Easter, when the situation can be re-evaluated.
Visitation to Churches to pray is also suspended.
Therefore, the Faithful and visitors to the Diocese are dispensed from any obligation to attend Mass during this period.
Priests, together with the Catholic Faithful, are being asked to make prudent decisions about Weddings and Funerals while observing guidance to limit gatherings.
The Diocese says Baptisms will only be celebrated in cases of emergency, Anointing of the Sick ought to be requested only in genuine need for the dying.
Priests are to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and the Faithful when administering the Sacraments to the Sick {i.e. the use of isolation gowns, masks, and gloves, as well as following the guidelines of medical professionals) and all Confirmations before Easter have been postponed, along with penance services.
Parish and social events, as well as ministry gatherings, are also suspended. Parishioners, in the event of emergencies, are invited to communicate with a Priest, Deacon, or available staff by phone or by email.
