Catholic Diocese Reopening For Mass Despite New Mexico Stay At Home Order

A Catholic diocese in New Mexico announced they will be holding Mass despite an updated stay at home order that removed an exemption for religious services. The Diocese of Las Cruces said they will begin hosting Mass on Sundays and promised to abide by social distancing guidelines.

Only five people will be allowed inside, and they must sit at least six feet apart. After the service is concluded, the pews, hymnals, and other surfaces will be sanitized.

The diocese also told churches they could hold services outdoors, either in their parking lot or other open spaces. They said that worshippers must remain in their cars, or at least six feet apart.

The diocese said they felt it was important for people to be able to attend church services during the coronavirus pandemic.

"The decision was made in response to various news outlets stating there has been an increase in divorces, drug use, and alcohol abuse. In the midst of financial uncertainty, fear for one's health, pandemic induced anxiety and confinement to their homes, people need a word of hope, and our Church offers the essential hope," the diocese said in a statement.

Officials in New Mexico voiced concern about the diocese holding Mass in the middle of a global pandemic.

"While we appreciate that the diocese stipulates that they will abide by the necessary public health emergency order banning mass gatherings, it is concerning that they would be 're-opening' at all when New Mexico continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic head-on," said Nora Sackett, a spokeswoman for the Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. "Any kind of gatherings that are not absolutely essential to one's health or welfare are strongly discouraged. New Mexicans and all houses of worship are encouraged to continue to worship at home and broadcast services remotely. Any kind of gathering puts everyone's health at risk."

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