El Paso Catholic churches to re-open at 100% capacity

EL PASO, Texas -- All El Paso catholic churches will be able to open at 100 percent capacity starting June 1.

The Catholic Diocese of El Paso announced Saturday it will be moving into its next phase of reopening no longer capping the limit of parishioners who attend Sunday and weekday Masses, weddings, funerals, baptisms and other sacraments.

Masks will continue to be enforced for all indoor gatherings. The Diocese said gatherings like classes or group meetings may also be at 100 percent capacity however, everyone who attends must be vaccinated.

Communion will continue to only be received in the hand. Holy water fonts at church entrances will remain empty.

The Diocese said churches are no longer required to sanitize pews or check temperatures when people enter. Social distancing markers are also not necessary.

The decision from the Diocese comes as more El Pasoans continue to get vaccinated and Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations are declining.

Bishop Mark Seitz along with other bishops in the U.S. are joining Pope Francis and the Vatican curia in encouraging people to get vaccinated. In a statement from the Diocese, "getting vaccinated is a powerful act of charity, our churches are already working with health authorities to provide opportunities for people to get vaccinated at the same places where they celebrate their faith."

For more information on the Diocese's new phase of reopening, click here.