The Catholic dioceses in Pittsburgh and Greensburg granted dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass over the weekend due to the impending winter storm.
Pittsburgh Bishop Mark Eckman and Greensburg Bishop Larry J. Kulick announced the exemption on Friday, urging parishioners to prioritize safety when considering weekend travel.
“No one should place themselves or others at risk due to dangerous weather,” the Pittsburgh diocese said in a statement. “Those who are able to do so safely may consider attending a Saturday Vigil Mass.”
Forecasters told TribLive that the Western Pennsylvania area could see the biggest snowfall in more than 15 years – storm warnings, issued Friday morning, begin at 7 p.m. Saturday and last until noon Monday.
The National Weather Service meteorologists are predicting between 10 and 12 inches of snow across the region this weekend.
The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, which serves the counties of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties, according to its website, said there will be limited Masses at only certain churches over the weekend due to the varying conditions across the counties.
The Diocese has more than 300 churches in Allegheny County, said the website.
Eckman said in a news release that parishioners should check parish websites and social media pages or call their parish offices before heading to Mass over the weekend, as schedules and availability may change based on local conditions.
The Catholic Diocese of Greensburg serves Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland. The diocese covers 3,334 square miles and includes 78 parishes, according to the website.
“At this point, looking at the storm predictions, it appears that most Saturday evening Masses will still be able to occur, if that is an option for you,” said Clifford Gorski, a spokesman for the Diocese of Greensburg.
As of Friday afternoon, both dioceses planned to hold Saturday Vigil Masses and suggested live-streaming Sunday Mass for remote viewing.
“Those who are unable to attend Mass should sanctify the Lord’s Day through prayer, reading the Scriptures, participating in a livestreamed or televised Mass and spiritual communion,” Gorski said in a news release.