Bishop Vasquez has decreed that public Masses will resume May 5. However, in his statements and directives to the Faithful, his main focus and concern is the safety of the flock, especially the vulnerable and sick.
In today’s update, I want to highlight some of the Bishop’s remarks and concerns. Most important point: The Bishop has extended his dispensation of the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. This means, that should you feel uncomfortable in anyway about being in a crowd, you are not obligated to attend Sunday Mass. The Bishop wants you to take care of yourself. That is your most important obligation at this time. The Bishop continued that theme with these items:
All parishioners 65 or older are encouraged to remain home.
Those with pre-existing conditions or who are immuno-compromised should remain home.
Any person who is ill, or suspects they maybe ill, should remain at home.
The Bishop spells out very clearly, you are not to put yourself or others at risk to attend mass. Do not feel guilty for not attending Mass. Your sacrifice is not overlooked by the Lord Jesus. Your contribution toward the good of our parishes and the people can not be measured in human terms.
The Bishop has specified reopening will be done in a careful and phased manner and will follow State Recommendations. The Bishop has provided the priests of the diocese with protocols to guide them with the necessary steps to reopen.
The next update will give details on how Masses will reopen at Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s fulfilling Dioceses protocol guidelines.