A religious community priest in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Masses at a Johnstown parish will not be celebrated until further notice.
Father Antony Sudherson, HGN, Parochial Vicar at Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown, tested positive for the virus and is in quarantine.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Pastor of Saint Benedict, Father David Peles, is in quarantine and will seek the appropriate testing as soon as possible.
All weekend and weekday Masses at Saint Benedict, as well as other liturgical activities, are cancelled until further notice. The church will undergo additional sanitization.
Bishop Mark Bartchak continues to direct all clergy and faithful to wear masks and practice physical distancing at all Masses and other church activities. The obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Masses remains waived by the Bishop until further notice. Anyone who feels sick or is exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 should not go to Mass or be present on any parish property.Â
The faithful are reminded that the Sunday Mass from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown is broadcast live every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. on WATM ABC 23 and rebroadcast every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on Atlantic Broadband channel 9.
The diocese offers prayers to Father Sudherson, Father Peles, and the entire Saint Benedict parish family. May God grant healing and comfort to all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
