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In a formal decree issued Wednesday, Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, suspended all liturgical services including public Masses as well as other church related activities in the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont, effective at the end of the day on Thursday.

That suspension incudes Holy Week and Easter Services.

The decree dispenses Catholics in the Beaumont Diocese from their obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.

Bishop Guillory issued the suspension after much prayer and consultation with his Brother Bishops, his Priests’ Council and in an abundance of caution and concern for the welfare of the community in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decree is attached to this email and can be found on the diocesan website at www.dioceseofbmt.org. A list of local parishes that will live stream the private Masses of the priests can be found on that same website.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont includes nine counties in Southeast Texas: Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Liberty, Chambers, Polk, Jasper, Tyler and Newton.

In addition, following a request that Pope Francis made at his weekly general audience Wednesday, Bishop Guillory is asking the Catholic faithful of the Beaumont Diocese to join in praying the luminous mysteries of the Rosary at 9 tonight, the feast of St. Joseph.