FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 2020 CONTACT: Veronica Ambuul, 719-866-6489, vambuul@coloradocatholicherald.com

Diocese of Colorado Springs will not have public liturgies for Holy Week and Easter COLORADO SPRINGS. Most Rev. Michael J. Sheridan of the Diocese of Colorado Springs announced that, in compliance with federal and state guidelines prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people due to the coronavirus pandemic, Holy Week and Easter liturgies will not be celebrated publicly this year. Holy Week and Easter Masses will be recorded and be available for viewing on the diocesan website, http://www.diocs.org. “In response to Governor Jared Polis’ directive that gatherings of more than 10 people cannot take place, I am joining with Archbishop Aquila of the Archdiocese of Denver and Bishop Berg of the Diocese of Pueblo in deciding that the we will not hold public Holy Week and Easter liturgies,” Bishop Sheridan said. “Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil — which together comprise the Triduum — are three of the most important days in the Catholic Church’s liturgical year. These holy days cannot be cancelled or postponed, and it causes me great pain that our faithful will not be able to join each other in attending these liturgies at their parishes. However, I encourage all Catholics to continue observing the penitential practices of Lent over the next several weeks, and to unite themselves in their homes with the events of Holy Week through television and the internet.”