(Pittsburgh,Pa.) With Gov. Wolf setting a plan to reopen Pennsylvania in phases the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh has come up with a plan to offer some sacraments with restrictions. Weddings, funerals and confession are the sacraments being addressed by the diocese.

• Weddings: They can be celebrated with no more than 10 people, including the officiant. Couples are advised that once the ritual of matrimony is celebrated, it cannot be repeated, so a Mass of Thanksgiving sometime after the actual wedding ceremony can be planned if the couple wishes for more than 10 people gather.
• Funerals: In exceptional circumstances, funerals with a Mass can be scheduled, but with a limit of 10 people or less. The diocese noted that cemeteries are still closed for public interments.
• Confession: The Sacrament of Penance can be celebrated, but only outdoors, either in parking lots or another place where social distancing is respected. It cannot be done in churches, rectories or any parish buildings.

Carrying out the directives will be at the discretion of individual parish administrators, according to the diocese. People should contact their pastor with questions.

Until further notice, church buildings are not being reopened and public celebrations of Mass continues to be suspended.

The Changes take effect immediately.