Catholic Diocese gives dispensation for Mass
C29( 5 5ev. Michael -. oolley, former pastor of St. -oseph s Church in oonsocket, and now pastor of Saints -ohn aul Church in Coventry, says Bishop homas -. obin s decision to dispense Catholics in the iocese of rovidence from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is out of the ordinary, but not unheard of.
he iocese of rovidence on hursday announced that while Masses throughout the iocese will continue to be offered, Catholics would be dispensed from their obligation of attending Sunday Mass through March . his was particularly prudent for members of the faithful ages or older, particularly those with underlying health conditions, who were especially encouraged to take advantage of this dispensation.
he fourth commandment tells us to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, so we as Catholics see it as an obligation to attend Mass every Sunday, oolley said. e also believe as Catholics that to miss Sunday Mass without good reason is a sin.
owever, Canon aw does
not expect the impossible nor can the fulfillment of the obligation according to the norm of the law be burdensome or dangerous, he said.
“:hen a bishop dispenses the faithful from their 6unday obligation to attend Mass, it’s usually done because of a public health crisis or for inclement weather like a blizzard or maMor storm,” :oolley said.
:oolley said he was planning to notify his parishioners of the recently-announced dispensation via social media.
“Like all churches we’ve had to cancel some events because of the novel coronavirus disease, including our 6t. 3atrick’s &oncert and 3arty on 6unday,” he said.
3astors and school administrators will also evaluate the advisability of holding any social events scheduled in the parish or school, such as dinners, senior gatherings, youth events, fundraisers, and field trips, “always with the health and welfare of the participants foremost in mind,” Diocese officials said.
3astors will be permitted to adMust their liturgical and devotional schedules according to local conditions, while continuing to meet the pastoral and spiritual needs of the faithful, particularly regarding the celebration of funerals and weddings, Diocese officials said on Thursday. And, to the extent possible, churches should remain open during the day for personal prayer, small group gatherings, devotions, and visits to the lessed 6acrament.