Church Restricts Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals In North Jersey

NEWARK, NJ — Weddings, baptisms, funerals, First Communions and other important life events are changing for an estimated 1.5 million Catholic residents in North Jersey as the state copes with the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

On Wednesday, the Archdiocese of Newark announced that all public celebrations of daily and Sunday Mass are suspended until further notice. Churches are being encouraged to livestream private Masses online and keep their parishioners engaged via social media, which many have already begun to do.

In addition, all public celebrations of the Sacraments – such as previously scheduled Confirmations and celebrations of First Communion – are being suspended until further notice, church leaders said.

Some exceptions will be made, with limitations:

• Baptisms, funerals, burial services and previously scheduled weddings are permitted. However, attendance must be limited to a maximum of 10 participants, including the celebrant. The celebrant should consider carefully with the next of kin or wedding couple who will attend. Celebrants also should remind families that the same limitations are being applied across all relevant Archdiocesan institutions, including Catholic cemeteries.
• The Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation will remain available, as needed. The celebrant should take every prudent precaution where indicated, such as use of gowns, masks and gloves. A priest may use a cotton-tipped swab or cotton ball as an instrument to anoint the sick person.

The Archdiocese of Newark encompasses the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union, and includes about 1.5 million people in 214 parishes.

The number of people with the coronavirus in New Jersey had risen to 427 as of Wednesday afternoon. Authorities say five people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the archbishop of Newark, said it’s critical that local Catholics help protect the health of the entire community, inside the church and outside.

“This decision comes after exhaustive discussion and with an especially heavy heart,” Tobin said. “During this challenging time in the life and mission of the Archdiocese of Newark, I ask for your cooperation and leadership as we mobilize the resources and support needed to care for all in our communities.”

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The archdiocese's decision comes as public safety officials take a hard look at slowing the spread of COVID-19 by "social distancing" and limiting mass gatherings, including weddings.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy issued restrictions barring gatherings of more than 50 people as part of efforts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus across New Jersey. That order was enforced on Tuesday, when Lakewood police broke up two weddings that allegedly had more than 50 people in attendance. Both dispersed without incident, authorities said.

• See related article: Police Break Up 2 Lakewood Weddings For Exceeding 50-Person Limit

CHURCH CHANGES AND COVID-19

When the Holy Water has run dry, it’s clear that big changes are happening. But the removal of Holy Water from church fonts is just one step that the Newark Archdiocese has been taking to halt the spread of the new coronavirus.

Earlier this month, archdiocese leaders advised churchgoers to avoid shaking hands during the "sign of peace" and stop offering the "blood of Christ" in chalices. Church leaders urged parishioners to stay home if they were sick, which is “a valid reason not to attend Mass or other church gatherings,” they said.

• See related article: Coronavirus 'Uncertainty' Causes Changes At North Jersey Churches

As part of the archdiocese’s Wednesday announcement, parishes also being advised to suspend all office activity for a period of at least two weeks. Pastors should consult local officials to determine the most appropriate course of action, and employees who provide essential services are permitted to carry out their duties according to the determination of the pastor.

In addition, all Archdiocese of Newark Catechetical education and events sponsored by the Catholic Youth Organization are suspended, and all Catholic schools remain closed as directed by the state of New Jersey.

• See related article: NJ Coronavirus: Schools Will Close Statewide

Parishes are encouraged to expose the Blessed Sacrament and remain open for private prayer, the archdiocese said.

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