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Parishes set to fully reopen June 19 in Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Father Rafael Saiz celebrates Christmas Mass outdoors at St. Mary's Catholic Church beneath a tent with social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic on December 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

As California awaits a wide reopening on Tuesday, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said parishes will also fully reopen next weekend with fewer COVID-19 rules in place.

Archbishop José H. Gomez announced the full reopening plans effective June 19 in a letter published Saturday. Masks will not be required inside or outside churches for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and social distancing and capacity limitations will no longer be in effect.


Masks will still be required for parish employees and volunteers, and for those who are not vaccinated, Gomez said.

“Thankfully, we continue to make significant progress in our fight against the pandemic in the three counties of the Archdiocese. We can look forward to better days in which we can actively live our faith as the Body of Christ in our parish communities,” Gomez said in a statement.

“And so, on June 19 and 20, I encourage the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to return to in-person Sunday Mass and the celebration of the Sacraments, especially for those who are in good health.”

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles released the following detailed guidelines for religious services and liturgical celebrations beginning June 19:

For more information on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, visit lacatholics.org.