Dear Fathers, Deacons, Seminarians, Chancery, Parish, Cathedral and CFCS Staff:

As you have seen from the news reports, as of 18 November, the Governor has placed Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the Purple Tier category, along with 39 other counties in the state. The rising number of infections, hospitalizations and deaths from Covd-19 made this change necessary.

Our first consideration since this crisis began has always been the spiritual and physical health of our faithful. We rely on medical professionals and government requirements to inform our decisions. The following guidelines apply to Masses, weddings, funerals, baptisms, confirmation, quinceañeras and other sacraments and rituals.

It is not permissible to have indoor worship with a congregation at this time. However, I would like our churches to remain open for individual private prayer outside of scheduled worship times.

The three options we have for worship at this time are:

Virtual (preferred)
Outdoor, seated or standing (see attachment)
In car, in the parking lot (see attachment)

The safest option, by far, is to livestream Masses, and encourage the faithful to make a “spiritual communion” from home.

Holy Communion may be distributed outside of Mass, preferably at the church doors or somewhere else outside. Care should be taken to protect the sacrament from the wind and rain.

Mass may be conducted in the parking lot, with people remaining in their cars, but they must exit the car to receive communion.

Obligation to attend Mass remains lifted until further notice, and the distribution of the Precious Blood is suspended indefinitely.

Outdoor Mass may be held, as long as chairs or standees remain at least 6 feet apart, and all wear masks.

I ask priests to continue offering Mass for your people daily in your church, even if the faithful may not be present.

Applicable excerpts from the diocesan protocol are reprinted, attached for your convenience. I have written the attached article for The Catholic Voice to be published November 23, 2020 to encourage the faithful and stress the importance of the Domestic Church. Please post on your websites.

Our Lady, Health of the Sick, you have always come to the aid of the Church in times of plague, pestilence and danger. We pray to you now to intercede for us with your Son.

Be assured of my continued prayers,

Michael C. Barber, S.J.

Bishop of Oakland

Office: 510-267-8316

Bishop@oakdiocese.org