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Parish employee tests positive for COVID-19

Johnstown church to be sanitized

An employee of Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown has tested positive for COVID-19 and is under quarantine for two weeks, according to the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.

Tony DeGol, secretary of communications for the diocese, said Thursday that parishioners have been notified. The Geistown church building is closed to the public, and it will be sanitized by a professional cleaning company.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the parish, and public Masses at St. Benedict will resume today with the celebration of the 12:05 p.m. Mass. Weekend Masses will be celebrated as usual.

Anyone who feels uncomfortable visiting the parish at this time is reminded that Bishop Mark L. Bartchak has waived the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice. The bishop continues to direct all clergy and parishioners to wear masks at all Masses and other liturgical gatherings and to practice physical distancing.

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