Bishop McManus has announced the restoration of the obligation to take part in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, effective next Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 6, 2021.

Bishop McManus has also modified those adaptations of liturgical practices which we have been observing for the past year in mitigation of the virus. 

Beginning on Saturday, May 29th, masks and social distancing are no longer required of all parishioners. However, per CDC guidelines, non-vaccinated persons are still encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The signs have been removed, but we ask that those who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear a mask and reami9n socially distanced. 

The cleaning of most commonly touched surfaces may be reduced to once a week and limitations of the size of gatherings in non-liturgical spaces have also been lifted.

The singing of hymns and acclamations has been restored, although our choirs will not return until the fall along with the restoration of our hymnals.

Holy Water, is, once again, be available. Processions will also be restored. The distribution of Holy Communion will return to its pre-COVID form, although the distribution of the Precious Blood will only be restored in the fall.

We will also begin using the confessionals and rooms of reconciliation and visitation of the sick will return to its previous schedule.

All of this will take some time to get used to. Please be assured we will continue to carefully monitor the number of cases as we proceed to return to a “new normal.” Please join in praying that the success we have so far enjoyed in quelling the pandemic may continue throughout the summer and the months to come.

Please see the above documents from the Diocese explaining the return of the Mass Obligation.