YOUNGSTOWN — The Catholic Bishops of Ohio have extend the temporary suspension of all publicly celebrated Masses / liturgies at least through and including Sunday May 3. The Bishops of Ohio dispense the Catholic faithful who reside in their respective dioceses and all other Catholics currently in Ohio from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass during this period.

Gov. Mike DeWine extended the executive stay-at-home order to continue to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the State of Ohio,” Msgr John A. Zuraw, chancellor, said this morning. “Out of deep concern for the common good, as well as the physical and spiritual well-being of all the people of Ohio, the Catholic Bishops of Ohio have agreed once again to cooperate with the governor’s direction.”

“This decision has not been taken lightly and the Catholic Bishops of Ohio recognize the sacrifice we are called to make by being physically distanced from the Holy Eucharist and from one another,” Zuraw said.

“Trusting in the graces flowing from the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Our Lord, we remain mindful of the hope that does not disappoint,” he said. “The Catholic Bishops of Ohio encourage all to keep holy the Lord’s Day by participating in the Sunday Mass by way of televised, live-streamed, or radio broadcast options. The faithful are encouraged to turn to the Church’s treasury of prayer.”

Zuraw asked the faithful to pray for all suffering from coronavirus and for the health care workers and first responders working during the epidemic.