After continued consultation with health care professionals, and taking into account the restrictions put in place by civil authorities, Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert has announced the suspension of public Masses in the Diocese will remain in place for the entirety of the upcoming Holy Week, April 5-12.

The bishop said he made the decision only after prayerful reflection. “I am pained to have made this decision,” Schlert said, “I certainly never envisioned that there would be a time when we would have to cancel public Masses for Holy Week and Easter. However, it is the safest course of action for our region.”

Priests of the diocese will celebrate private Masses and conduct private services throughout Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

Schlert has been celebrating a livestream Mass from his private chapel every day. Celebrated 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. Sundays, the Mass is available at www.ad-today.com.

“I assure the faithful that priests will continue to be available to them, and will be creative in the ways they serve the people entrusted to their care,” Schlert said.