DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
SECRETARIAT FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
__________________________________________
1515 Martin Luther King Drive,
P.O. Box F,
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
Phone: 610-871-5200 EXT. 2265
FAX 610-439-7694 MKerr@AllentownDiocese.org
FOR SAFETY, NO PALMS TO BE
DISTRIBUTED THIS WEEKEND
To help ensure the safety of parishioners, Bishop Alfred Schlert has directed that no
palm branches be distributed this weekend.
Traditionally, the faithful receive blessed palm branches on Palm Sunday weekend.
Several weeks ago, it was thought that even with public Masses cancelled to prevent
the spread of disease, palms could be made available for parishioners to pick up.
However, as scientific and medical advice evolves, and with additional knowledge
about how easily Coronavirus is spread, the Bishop has determined that it is not safe to
distribute palms by any means, including drive-through distribution.
“Palms are a beautiful time-honored symbol of Jesus’ triumphant entry into
Jerusalem,” Bishop Schlert said. “Palm branches can be distributed at a later, safer
time.
“My first priority is the safety of the 260,000 Catholics in our five counties, as well as
the safety of our priests, deacons, religious men and women, and seminarians,” Bishop
Schlert said.