On November 16, pastors and priests, employees of the diocese received the following information from Father Robert Hughes, Vicar General for the Diocese of Camden:
This afternoon, Governor Murphy issued a new executive order to limit the rapid spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey. Beginning at 6:00 AM on Tuesday, November 17th, all indoor gatherings are limited to not more than 10 persons down from the previous limit of 25. On Monday, November 23rd, all outdoor gatherings are limited to 150 persons down from the previous limit of 500.
The Governor’s executive order does not apply to religious services, funerals and weddings. The current limit for attendance at Mass remains at 30% of the capacity of the church building as long as distancing protocols can be observed. If distancing reduces the capacity, the smaller limit must be imposed. With the permission of the bishop, outdoor Masses may be celebrated especially for the Feast of Guadalupe.
At Masses, funerals, weddings and parish meetings of any kind, all participants are expected to wear masks which cover their nose and mouth for the duration of the meeting. If someone is unable to do so for health reasons – they must be reminded to keep a greater than six-foot distance from other participants. Social distancing must continue to be practiced and hand-sanitizing or washing stations must be available and their use must be encouraged.
Schools are to continue to take direction from the Superintendent of Catholic Schools but must comply with the executive order as it pertains to meetings, extracurricular activities and sports – please note that the limit of 150 for an outdoor event includes players, coaches, referees and other necessary personnel. If space is available spectators may be invited.
Hospitality continues to be restricted. Bottled water/beverages may be placed at participants’ places or boxed/packaged goods can be made available. Buffets, coffee or beverage centers and other types of communal food/beverage distribution continues to be prohibited.