News from the Diocese of Raleigh

A Letter from Bishop Zarama regarding the death of George Floyd and Protests

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Letter from Bishop Zarama

​Dear Brother Priests,
This is both an exciting and anxious time as we can now see more opportunities to be closer to our Lord through the Sacraments. Like all of you, I appreciate the recent legal clarification which noted that the statewide coronavirus restrictions were applied unequally to worship services. While the religious liberty challenge has been overcome, challenges remain in how we will balance our need for the Sacraments with the need to protect public health.
I ask again as we begin to adapt to these “phases” of public interaction that we continue to do so with patience and humility. We cannot assume that because there are no public health restrictions on worship services that there are no public health risks.
For a great many in our diocese, a return to Mass in any form will not be prudent for health reasons, nor practical because of social distancing. I encourage the continued livestreaming of Masses for all parishes who are currently doing so.
I will continue to waive the obligation of the faithful to attend Sunday Mass. I also entrust to each of you as pastors the ability to prudently adapt how best to serve your parishioners and return to offering the Sacraments while maintaining charity and respect for the health of others.
As we begin to explore offering Sacraments as well as prayer and adoration in our churches as outlined in the following, we will do so following existing community health guidance. We will also be respectful and reverent to the Sacraments as we adhere to that health guidance.
Please pray for each other, especially for those who are ill or afraid.
Please pray for healthcare professionals and for all those whose daily lives are impacted by this situation.
Please also pray that our actions reflect to others the goodness of God and that together we can give His strength to all those who are suffering and burdened by this situation.


In Christ,
† Luis Rafael Zarama, J.C.L.
Guidance for Masses, Parish Ministries and Celebrations of the Sacraments
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​Provided parishes can meet appropriate social distancing requirements and/or logistical arrangements, indoor services can be conducted including Mass, the Sacrament of Penance, Adoration, and individual prayer.
As stated by Bishop Zarama, all of the faithful continue to be dispensed from their Sunday obligation. While this dispensation is applicable to all, the elderly, those sick, those with pre-existing health conditions or other vulnerable people should especially continue to stay at home.
Outdoor worship services in unenclosed spaces may continue to be an option for many parishes as it allows more flexibility in following recommendations to promote social distancing and reduce transmission.
Arrangements should be made by each parish to provide appropriate parking, spacing, sound systems, etc. The faithful are not to remain in vehicles during these services and should be encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, etc., as necessary.
Additional precautions are to be taken when distributing Holy Communion, including frequent use of hand sanitizer by Eucharistic Ministers.
No Communion from the chalice and/or shaking hands during the Sign of Peace.
Recommendations to Promote Social Distancing and Reduce Transmission:
  • Maintain at least six (6) feet social distancing from other individuals, with the exception of family or household members.
  • Wear a cloth Face Covering when leaving home and wear it inside all public settings such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or other retail or public-serving businesses. A Face Covering should also be worn outdoors when you cannot maintain at least six (6) feet distancing from other people with the exception of family or household members. These coverings function to protect other people more than the wearer.
  • Carry hand sanitizer with you when leaving home, and use it frequently.
  • Wash hands using soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds as frequently as possible.
  • Regularly clean high-touch surfaces such as steering wheels, wallets, and phones.
  • Stay at home if sick.
Avoid Exceeding Emergency Maximum Occupancy:The most recent guidance does not prohibit gatherings for worship services but still recommends against holding Mass Gatherings (defined as more than 10 people). Should parishes offer indoor Masses, they should adhere to Emergency Maximum Occupancy recommendations which is the lowest number produced by applying the following three tests:
  • Limit the number of visitors in the space to fifty percent (50%) of stated fire capacity
  • Or, for spaces without a stated fire capacity, no more than twelve (12) persons for every one thousand (1000) square feet of the location's total square footage, including the parts of the location that are not accessible to visitors.
  • Limit the number of people in the space so that groups can stay six (6) feet apart.
For more information, please see the Executive Order (pdf) and also note the following Exemption:
Worship, religious, and spiritual gatherings, funeral ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, and other activities constituting the exercise of First Amendment rights are exempt from all the requirements of this Executive Order and Executive Order Nos. 121 and 138, notwithstanding any other provision of this Executive Order or of Executive Order Nos. 121 and 138.