Name: A Catholic diocese is reopening for Mass despite a statewide stay-at-home order
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A Catholic diocese is reopening for Mass despite a statewide stay-at-home order

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(CNN)A Catholic diocese in New Mexico will reopen churches for Masses despite cases in the state and the governor's stay-at-home orders for non-essential services. The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces is believed to be the first in the United States to re-open for Mass, according to two sources who work for the diocese. The vast majority of churches in the US, including Catholic parishes, have shifted to online services only.Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Saturday that houses of worship must abide by a public health order banning mass gatherings to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. In a previous order, religious services were exempted. The new order bars gatherings of more than five people. The diocese said it will abide by the governor's social-distancing orders, but that didn't seem to ease concerns at the state Capitol."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. Read More"Any kind of gatherings that are not absolutely essential to one's health or welfare are strongly discouraged," Sackett continued. "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."The Rev. Kevin Waymel, a chancellor at the Diocese of Las Cruces, said it will abide by the governor's social-distancing orders and limit services in churches to five people or less. The diocese will also encourage Catholics to attend outdoors Masses in church lots while staying parked in their cars at least six feet apart, said Waymel. Bishop Peter Baldacchino held one such service on Easter Sunday, the priest said, serving Holy Communion to about 220 people. The preparations and serving of Holy Communion included protective covers, gloves, masks and Lysol wipes, said Waymel, who helped administer the sacrament. "We are abiding by the regulation and taking many more safety measures than any restaurant or fast food place in Las Cruces," Waymel said. As of April 15 New Mexico had 1,484 confirmed cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, . Fifty-four of those cases are in Doña Ana County, where Las Cruces is located. Hide Caption 1 of 27 Hide Caption 2 of 27 Hide Caption 3 of 27 Hide Caption 4 of 27 Hide Caption 5 of 27 Hide Caption 6 of 27 Hide Caption 7 of 27 Hide Caption 8 of 27 Hide Caption 9 of 27 Hide Caption 10 of 27 Hide Caption 11 of 27 Hide Caption 12 of 27 Hide Caption 13 of 27 Hide Caption 14 of 27 Hide Caption 15 of 27 Hide Caption 16 of 27 Hide Caption 17 of 27 Hide Caption 18 of 27 Hide Caption 19 of 27 Hide Caption 20 of 27 Hide Caption 21 of 27 Hide Caption 22 of 27 Hide Caption 23 of 27 Hide Caption 24 of 27 Hide Caption 25 of 27 Hide Caption 26 of 27 Hide Caption 27 of 27As of Tuesday, have implemented stay-at-home orders. Twelve states while requiring social distancing at services.Pastors in and are suing over the restrictions, arguing that they restrict their rights to assemble and practice their religion. The Department of Justice said it expects to take action soon are having on religious institutions across the country. This week, the Justice Department filed court documents in support of Temple Baptist Church in Greenville, Mississippi, which has filed a lawsuit claiming discrimination because of restrictions that apply to churches but not businesses such as restaurants.Waymel said much of the debate over religious services boils down to one question: Are they essential? "The bishop (Baldacchino) truly believes that helping someone in their faith is truly essential and cannot only happen through online services. It has to happen with in-person access to Holy Communion," the priest said., the Las Cruces diocese also cited other reasons for re-opening churches: 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," said a statement from the diocese, according to KFOX.

(CNN)A Catholic diocese in New Mexico will reopen churches for Masses despite cases in the state and the governor's stay-at-home orders for non-essential services. The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces is believed to be the first in the United States to re-open for Mass, according to two sources who work for the diocese. The vast majority of churches in the US, including Catholic parishes, have shifted to online services only.Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Saturday that houses of worship must abide by a public health order banning mass gatherings to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. In a...

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A Catholic diocese is reopening for Mass despite a statewide stay-at-home order

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