The Sioux City Diocese has announced they are allowing some churches to reopen for limited private prayer later this month. Beginning at 6 a.m. on June 15, pastors may open the main church in their parish grouping for a period not to exceed two hours twice per week. Social distancing guidelines are to be followed while in the church, and capacity will be limited to a maximum of 10 people at any one time. All openings will be at the pastor’s discretion, and individuals wanting to utilize these offering are required to wear masks while inside. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is prohibited during these open periods. Proper sanitation of pews and church fixtures will be a top priority for parishes with extensive cleaning to occur before and after each prayer session. These limited church openings are optional, and Bishop R. Walker Nickless encourages pastors in areas of high COVID-19 activity to consider keeping their facilities closed. Masses within the Sioux City Diocese were suspended indefinitely on March 16 due to the pandemic.
