Priests to offer the "Mass in Time of Pandemic" on April 20

Priests throughout the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany are being encouraged to offer the “Mass in Time of Pandemic,” on Monday, April 20. Priests in the Diocese have also been invited to ring their church bells at 7 p.m. that day in solidarity with all those who have died or are suffering from the Coronavirus and for those who serve, especially healthcare workers, first responders, and all who bear a special burden in this traumatic time.

The Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a decree last month approving the “Mass in Time of Pandemic” in response to the spiritual needs of the clergy and the faithful during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The prayers and readings focus on the theme of healing. Priests around the Diocese may choose to celebrate the Mass according to their own schedules and, if possible, on livestream. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will offer the Mass at 10 a.m. on April 20.