November 17, 2020   Return to Purple Tier; Indoor Masses Suspended as of Tuesday November 17:

Due to a marked increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Santa Clara County has returned to the most restrictive Purple Tier.  Under the California Blueprint Tier framework regarding COVID-19, indoor worship is no longer allowed in the Purple Tier in support of the common good. Under the County’s Updated Mandatory Directive for Gathering, outdoor gatherings may be held with up to 200 people, as long as the outdoor space allows people to easily maintain at least six feet of physical distance from one another at all times.

Effective Tuesday, November 17^th, all indoor Masses and worship services will be moved outdoors with appropriate social distancing, cleaning protocols, and face coverings required.  Parishes may also hold drive-in Masses, following current guidelines. Many parishes will continue to livestream Masses daily through their websites or social media, giving the faithful another option to stay connected to their faith communities. The universal dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues throughout the Diocese. 

Though indoor Masses are temporarily suspended, our parishes continue to serve our Catholic community. They are offering faith-sharing groups, bible studies, catechetical classes, and other parish ministries via teleconferencing platforms. The Diocese’s Catholic schools remain open for in-person and distance learning.

View Bishop Oscar Cantú video messages regarding the Coronavirus

Here is official information and guidance on the Coronavirus outbreak from public health departments.

• Santa Clara County Public Health Department
• California Public Health Department
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention