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[Catholic Caucus] Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to suspend Mass 'indefinitely' amid coronavirus pandemic The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will suspend Mass indefinitely amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, following days of civic leaders urging people to stay home and away from each other. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo said the suspension would begin Wednesday, but churches would remain open for "individual and private prayer." He also recommended that priests offer confessions in more places other than small confessional booths, which could bring two people closer than what health officials recommend. Weddings can also go on, but only the rite and with only 10 people in...

[Catholic Caucus] Canceling Catholicism Until Further Notice What happened to the “field hospital” of Pope Francis? Early on in his papacy, Pope Francis likened the Church to a field hospital. But the analogy hasn’t held up amidst coronavirus fears. The diocese of Rome has suspended Masses through April 3. The idea of closing churches during a crisis is a peculiarly modern one. The ancient impulse during a crisis was not to abolish worship but to increase it.In the age of the secularized Catholic Church, deference to the state, which prioritizes the body over the soul, is the order of the...

[Catholic Caucus] Archbishop Gregory has indicated Masses open to the public, in ALL archdiocesan parishes, missions, and campus ministries will not be celebrated starting this Saturday, March 14th until further notice. Archbishop Gregory has indicated Masses open to the public, in ALL archdiocesan parishes, missions, and campus ministries will not be celebrated starting this Saturday, March 14th until further notice. “Archbishop Gregory has indicated Masses open to the public, in ALL archdiocesan parishes, missions, and campus ministries will not be celebrated starting this Saturday, March 14th until further notice. Weddings and funerals may proceed but attendance should be limited to immediate...