It’s time to reinstate Sunday Obligation

To the editor,

When the Fairfield County community was first hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no doubt that fundamental changes to our lives needed to occur in the short term to save lives.

The most fundamental of these changes needed to be widespread social distancing. To his credit, Diocese of Bridgeport Bishop Frank Caggiano made the prudent decision to dispense Catholics in the Diocese from attending Mass, and canceling all public worship, to halt the spread of the virus.

The world we are in today, however, is a much different state than that of March or April. Connecticut has proven to be one of the most successful case studies in the nation of containing the pandemic. While cases will and do continue to occur, we are in a very good place. Yet, attending Mass on Sundays in the dioceses still bears much in common with attending a concert or other event. You must secure a ticket, ensure you arrive early to find a seat, all in the name of safety.

The dispensation that lifts our obligation as Catholics to attend is also still in effect. As Connecticut continues its economic recovery after successfully containing the virus, it is time Bishop Caggiano recognizes the need to spiritually recover as well.

It is time to reinstate the Sunday obligation for Catholics in the Diocese. Well before the pandemic, it has always been the policy of the church that health related reasons were also dispensed from attending Mass and no one caring for those who are sick or are sick themselves were ever required to attend Mass.

It seems obvious that such rules can continue to apply today during the pandemic. Offering Catholics a get out of jail free card any longer risks destroying the Sunday obligation permanently, bankrupting our parishes, and denying the Sacraments to God’s people at a time we need them most.

Lifting the dispensation is not a matter of politics, but is a decision that must be made if the bishop desires to be a good shepherd for the flock he serves. Failure to do so risks permanent financial harm to our parishes, while also permanently endangering so many souls that have been entrusted to his care.

It is disappointing Bishop Caggiano has failed to grasp the necessity of such a move when many larger dioceses around the nation have already taken such steps. Hundreds, if not thousands, in the diocese have had our ability to most directly receive God’s grace through the Sacrifice of the Mass hindered or broken over the past 6 months. Our diocesean leadership must do better. Christopher Woodside

Stamford