New Mexico Department of Health: guidelines and updates    

STATUS UPDATES

Update April 25, 2021
Effective Sunday, June 6, 2021, Bishop Peter Baldacchino is lifting the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. 

Lifting of Dispensation (English)  
Lifting of Dispensation (Spanish) 

Update April 24, 2021
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has altered the public health directives for the state. According to new directives issued today, houses of
worship in New Mexico may hold religious services up to 100% of the capacity of any outdoor or enclosed space on the premises.

Effective Friday, April 23rd, Bishop Peter Baldacchino has removed the restrictions on Mass
attendance and will continue to leave it in the capable hands of the priests in the diocese to
celebrate Masses, Funerals, and Weddings at the capacity which they deem prudent while
continuing to be aware of their parish realities and the current health precautions set forth by the
State and Federal Government.

Update November 13, 2020
Effective Monday, November 16^th, Masses will be held at a 25% capacity while continuing to maintain all current health precautions set forth by the State and Federal Government. Masses during the week, funerals, baptisms, and weddings will also continue to be permitted in the diocese at a 25% indoor capacity. Catholics are still dispensed from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass and those at risk for COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home and watch the numerous live stream Masses provided by the diocese. 

Update August 29, 2020
Due to the amended public health order, Parishes in the Diocese of Las Cruces will allow all indoor Masses and all sacramental gatherings at a 40% capacity. The dispensation from the obligation to Sunday Mass remains in effect, and we urge anybody that is at risk for COVID-19 to stay home and watch the numerous online live streams that are made available to them.

Update May 15, 2020
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has altered the public health directives for the state. According to new directives issued today, parishes are allowed to ‘operate’ at a 25% capacity. It is important to note that Catholics are still dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.

Update March 17, 2020

Upon further prayer and reflection, Bishop Baldacchino has revised the suspension of funeral masses. Funerals will be celebrated in a private manner with only the immediate family present (less than 10 people).

Update March 16, 2020

With the foremost concern for our Parish community and recognizing the importance of social distancing in containing the spread of COVID-19, Bishop Baldacchino has made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend the public celebration of Mass including weddings and funerals. In addition, all parish events such as baptism and marriage preparation classes, group meetings, etc. are suspended.

The Pastoral Center is currently transitioning to a limited-service operation. During this period, the Pastoral Center will operate with minimal staff on-site and some employees working remotely. Although the Pastoral Center doors will be locked, personnel will be accessible by phone and email. This will allow for social distancing while minimizing foot traffic throughout the building. 

During this time the faithful are encouraged to pray individually or as a family, with the Liturgy of the Hours, reading scripture, reciting the Rosary, and with other means. Spiritual resources, including a Family Home Celebration During Suspension of Mass, are posted on the diocesan homepage. 

STATUS UPDATES (Spanish Translation)

Update August 29, 2020

Debido a la orden de salud pública que ha sido enmendada, las parroquias dentro de la Diócesis de Las Cruces permitirá que se realicen las Misas adentro del templo y todas las reuniones sacramentales a una capacidad del 40%.  La dispensa de la obligación de la Misa dominical aún sigue en efecto, y le suplicamos a cualquier persona que tenga el riesgo de contraer el COVID-19 de permanecer en casa y conectarse a una transmisión en vivo en linea, ya que hay una cantidad de transmisiones que están disponibles.

Update March 16, 2020

Preocupados por nuestra comunidad parroquial y reconociendo la importancia del distanciamiento social para contener la propagación del COVID-19, Monseñor Baldacchino ha tomado la difícil, pero necesaria decisión de suspender de manera temporal la celebración pública de las Misas, incluyendo bodas y funerales.  Más aún, los eventos parroquiales como los bautizaos y cursos de preparación matrimonial, reuniones en grupo, etc, también se suspenden.

El centro pastoral operará con servicio limitado.  Durante este periodo, el centro pastoral operará con el personal mínimo en sitio y algunos empleado trabajarán remotamente.  Aunque las puertas del centro pastoral estarán cerradas, el personal estará disponible por teléfono o por email.  Esto permitirá el distanciamiento social, y la minimización de personas dentro del edificio.

Durante este tiempo, se le anima a la feligresía a orar individualmente o como familia, con la liturgia de las horas, leyendo las escrituras, recitando el rosario, entre otras formas.  Los recursos espirituales, incluyendo una celebración familiar en casa durante la suspensión de la Misa, se encuentran en la página principal de la diócesis.
 
Please click on the links below to read the Directives and Memorandum. The Diocese is closely monitoring the situation and will post updates every Thursday, or as necessary.

Archives (Current Updates on Top)

Directives to Help Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Directives to Help Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Spanish

Bishop Baldacchino Memorandum - March 13, 2020

Bishop Baldacchino Memorandum - March 13, 2020 - Spanish

Online Resources for Catechists, Youth Ministers, and Confirmation Prep - Office of Youth Ministry

World Health Organization:
www.who.int
www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Center for Disease Control:
www.cdc.gov
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.html