The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland said Thursday that changes to the state rules about religious gatherings won’t allow many more of the state’s Catholics to attend services in person.

“This ruling is unacceptable and does nothing to provide relief to our parishes and parishioners,” Bishop Robert Deeley said.

Mills issued an executive order on Feb. 12 that said houses of worship can accommodate five people per 1,000 square feet of space, or up to 50 people, whichever is greater. The number of people who could gather in houses of worship had previously been capped at 50.

The diocese said in a statement that less then 10 of Maine’s 141 Catholic churches will see an increase from current capacity levels.

Jeanne Lambrew, commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, said the state “will continue to review our public health guidance in the coming weeks and months.”