April 24, 2020

Dear Fathers and Parish Administrators,

During the past six weeks, my office has carefully monitored the medical metrics related to the COVID- 19 pandemic and its effects related to the population of Southern Nevada. As of today, the Southern Nevada Health District reported another 96 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 13 deaths overnight in Clark County. This latest report brings our State tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,208, with 3,314 residing in Clark County.

In light of this information, I have decided that our Discontinuance Order will be extended until May 31, 2020, and revisited at that time.

As outlined in our earlier communiques, this Order includes, but is not limited to, all parish related venues, including churches, worship spaces and adoration chapels. In addition, I will continue to dispense all Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Las Vegas and those Catholics visiting within our geographic boundaries from the obligation of Sunday Masses through May 30, 2020.

While the metrics from the Southern Nevada Health District we are receiving fluctuate on a daily basis, I believe it is important for us to prepare for the day when we can gradually open our Churches for the celebration of Sunday Eucharist.

To that end, I am appointing a Diocesan Restoration Council, chaired by Mr. John Kilduff, President of Bishop Gorman High School, with representatives from a wide array of disciplines, including medical, gaming, education, civic, law enforcement, engineering, logistics, and pastoral ministry. I believe this Council will be invaluable as we enter our long-awaited time of transition and restoration. 

I am deeply grateful to all of you for your pastoral presence to the people in your respective communities and want you to know that you remain in my heart and in my prayers daily during these challenging, yet grace-filled days.

Asking for your continued cooperation and prayerful support, I am 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+George Leo Thomas, Ph.D.
Diocese of Vegas