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Response to Austin-Travis County crowd limits
Following an order by the City of Austin and Travis County, as of 2 a.m. March 15, parish gatherings are restricted to 250 people. The order goes through May 1. The limit applies only to parishes within the City of Austin and Travis County.
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez has decreed that anyone unable to attend Mass because of this order is dispensed from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass.
Parishes should ensure that hospitality ministers (ushers) count the number people entering the church.
If needed and possible, a simultaneous Mass may be held in another building on the church campus, such as a church hall or Catholic school gym.
If possible, Mass may be livestreamed or broadcast to another building on the church campus to accommodate more people.
Bishop Vásquez asked all pastors to follow the order while continuing to provide the sacraments.
Bishop Vásquez also asks for continued prayers for all people affected by COVID-19.
For the latest on the church’s response to COVID-19, visit our website at https://www.austindiocese.org.
The Diocese of Austin is made up of more than 120 churches in 25 central Texas counties with more than 625,000 Catholics.