Bishop urges Catholics to not attend Mass if weather too dangerous this weekend

‘No one should put themselves, or others, at risk to attend Sunday Mass’

Bishop Michael Fisher of the Diocese of Buffalo is urging people not to brave the weather for Mass this weekend, and instead participate in a service through livestream technology.

The eight-county diocese is under a state of emergency due to high winds, snow and cold.

The Diocese issued this statement from Bishop Fisher today:

“Many areas of Western New York will experience heavy snowfalls and drifting along with extremely high winds, bitter wind chills, and possible power outages. These are dangerous and life-threatening conditions. Please respect the travel bans in our communities. In light of these dangerous conditions, no one should put themselves, or others, at risk to attend Sunday Mass this weekend.

“I have asked those parishes who have livestream capabilities to livestream their weekend Masses. If your community has travel restrictions, or dangerous weather conditions, do not attempt to attend Mass in person. Use the livestream technology to spiritually connect with others in prayer. Also, please check on neighbors who may be in need.

“Please join me in praying for our first responders, utility workers, hospital workers, and all those serving our communities during this storm.”