Chicago Archdiocese announces timeline for reopening churches amid COVID-19 stay-at-home order
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Archdiocese of Chicago has announced a timeline for gradually reopening churches as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
RELATED: Latest news and updates on Illinois coronavirus cases, Chicago area impact
Starting May 18, parishes will begin training "non-vulnerable" volunteers to help implement a COVID-19 reopening plan. The training will be completed that week via webinar.
On May 23, churches could reopen for baptism, reconciliation, weddings and funerals with a 10-person limit, assuming they pass an archdiocesan-required certification of readiness to open.
On May 30, churches could reopen for private prayer and adoration with a limit of 10 attendees, the archdiocese said.
READ IN FULL: Restore Illinois 5-phase reopening plan by Governor Pritzker splits IL into 4 regions
The archdiocese said the second phase of their reopening plan would allow for the reopening of churches for masses for larger groups, but that phase of the plan has not been approved by state officials. There is no timeline set for reopening for mass, the Chicago Archdiocese said.
Church officials emphasized that phase two will require getting the green light from city and state civil authorities.
The Archdiocese of Joliet is also following the same framework to begin reopening their churches.
