News: New Measures Taken To Minimize the Spread of COVID-19

by Diocese of Des Moines | March 12, 2020

In a memo to priests, deacons and directors of liturgy, Bishop William Joensen asked parishes to enact several measures immediately to minimize the spread of COVID-19. His memo addresses the distribution of the chalice, the Sign of Peace, and more.

"If persons are sick, do not feel well, or are immune-compromised, they should stay home," he wrote. "They are relieved of the Sunday Mass obligation for the sake of their health and that of the entire community."

He asked for prayers "for those who are sick, for individual and public health care providers on the front lines of this pandemic, for the deceased and those who mourn them, and for personal peace and common sense to prevail in our local and global communities."

Here is the memo in Spanish.