Divine Redeemer Parish  

Dear Parishioners,
 
Certainly, you’ve seen or will see the news about the restrictions for Allegheny County events and activities limited for one week to 25 people.

This order exempts religious institutions, and with this, Bishop Zubik has issued this statement:
 
In light of the decision in Allegheny County announced today by Dr. Debra L. Bogen, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department, in which she announces further restrictions within Allegheny County because of the significant rise in confirmed cases of COVID-19, I thought it most important to share with you the impact of this statement on our churches and on all religious institutions.

With additional mitigation efforts ordered for Allegheny County in the midst of a recent uptick in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, churches will stay open, but I am strongly urging parishioners to consider their own health, and the health of others, when making the decision to go to Mass.

The new restrictions call for a one-week closure of bars, restaurants, and casinos and the cancellation of all activities or events over 25 people. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020, and also includes a voluntary stay-at-home protocol for people who live in Allegheny County.

Further, the official Order states, “this Order does not apply to religious gatherings held by churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, or other places of worship. Religious institutions remain subject to any requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.”

As such, churches in the Diocese of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County will remain open, at the discretion of the individual pastors, with continued strict adherence to federal, state, and local public health and safety guidelines, including:


  *   Mandatory mask wearing (as reinforced by a Governor’s order issued July 1)
  *   Maintaining social distancing of at least 6-feet
  *   Following all cleaning and sanitizing procedures outlined in CDC guidelines

As a reminder, the dispensation of the obligation to attend Mass is still in effect in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and parishioners are urged to stay home if they are feeling ill.
 
Since we at Divine Redeemer have been attentive to the guidelines issued throughout, the plan for us will be to continue our scheduled masses and events as planned, while strongly urging parishioners to consider their health and the safety of others before attending. Please remember, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues to be lifted. Please do what you need to be safe.
 
To be clear, the weekend Mass schedule will continue. Your reservations are recorded and will be honored.

If you choose to stay home, Sunday Masses will continue to be live-streamed from this website.
 
Blessings,
 
Fr. Brian Noel and the Staff of Divine Redeemer Parish

We are seeking volunteers to help with greeting/signing in/seating parishioners who attend each weekend Mass. We also need volunteers to help clean the church between Masses during the week and on the weekend. Please call the Parish Center, 412-741-6650, ext. 313, to volunteer your time for one or more of the Masses. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO REGISTER YOUR SEAT(S) FOR THE MASS YOU WILL BE ATTENDING. There is a spot on the reservation form where you can indicate if you are a volunteer and what you are volunteering to do.