Hallelujah! NJ's Largest Catholic Diocese Begins Phased Reopening Of Churches

The Archdiocese of Newark -- New Jersey's largest Catholic diocese -- announced a three-phase plan to reopen its churches.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark
Photo Credit: *Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart*

Cecilia Levine

05/17/2020 1:25 p.m.

Phase One began Sunday morning, with doors opening for private prayer.

Weekday Masses are included in Phase Two -- which require worshipers to wear masks and continue social distancing measures. There's no timeline on that yet. Sunday Masses are included in Phase Three.

Catholic parishes and schools in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties are included in the Archdiocese of Newark.

UPDATE: During his daily COVID-19 briefing on Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy said large, indoor gatherings remain risky, but that outdoor religious services could resume sooner.

"I would hope we can see outdoor faith services in a matter of weeks,'' Murphy said.

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