Churches may be off-limits to large gatherings during the restrictions put into place in Delaware and Maryland during the coronavirus pandemic, but Catholics can celebrate Mass with a familiar face as Easter approaches. The Diocese of Wilmington has announced that Holy Week services will be live-streamed from the Cathedral of St. Peter in Wilmington. Bishop Malooly will preside.
The schedule is as follows:
- April 4: Palm Sunday, 4 p.m.
- April 9: Holy Thursday, 4 p.m.
- April 10: Good Friday, 3 p.m.
- April 11: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m.
- April 12: Easter, time to be announced
The Masses will be available at www.youtube.com/DioceseOfWilm.
In addition, Bishop Malooly has directed that the distribution of palms on Palm Sunday is not to take place in any form. Parishes that are able to keep the palm in a cool, dry place may distribute them after the restrictions are lifted.
The diocese has been modifying its timeline on restrictions on Mass and other aspects of diocesan life as developments regarding the coronavirus and the illness it causes, COVID-19, evolve.
“We do not take this action lightly and without prayerful consideration,” Bishop Malooly said. “We must put the health and well-being of our parishioners first. I invite the faithful to stay connected to their parish community electronically, and to participate in Mass via television and the Internet during this challenging time.”
All diocesan and parish schools, and all religious education programs, in the diocese are closed or canceled until May 18. The Catholic Youth Ministry spring sports season has been canceled.
To keep up to date on local, national and international news during this time, visit www.thedialog.org and sign up for weekly and breaking news delivered to your email with The Angelus. The diocese also has a page with information at www.cdow.org/coronavirus.
