After continued consultation with healthcare professionals, and taking into account the restrictions put in place by civil authorities, Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert has announced that the suspension of public Masses in the Diocese will remain in place for the entirety of the upcoming Holy Week, April 5-12.

The Bishop said he made the decision only after prayerful reflection. “I am pained to have made this decision,” the Bishop said, “I certainly never envisioned that there would be a time when we would have to cancel public Masses for Holy Week and Easter. However, it is the safest course of action for our region.”

Priests of the Diocese will celebrate private Masses and conduct private services throughout Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. The Bishop asked that all possible electronic and spiritual resources be made available to the faithful so they may share in these services.

Bishop Schlert has been celebrating a livestream Mass from his private chapel every day. Celebrated at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 10 a.m. on Sundays, the Mass is available at www.ad-today.com.

“I assure the faithful that priests will continue to be available to them, and will be creative in the ways they serve the people entrusted to their care,” Bishop Schlert said.