+JMJ+
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
This past August 3rd, Bishop Doherty along with the other 4 bishops in Indiana have extended the dispensation from the obligation of Sunday Mass until Nov. 1, 2020. The bishops have released the following statement.
 
“While commending our pastors and pastoral life coordinators who have gone to great lengths to assure safe worship spaces in our churches, due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in our state, the Indiana bishops have decided to extend the dispensation from the obligations of Sunday Mass attendance beyond August 15 until November 1, 2020, unless further developments determine otherwise.”
 
Bishop Doherty also added, “To be dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not mean people should stay away from Church or fail to keep holy the Lord’s Day. We continue to invite each of you to prayerfully consider attending Mass with your parish family. In this way you may more fully experience the gift that Jesus gives us in the Eucharist and the life of grace.”
 
As you may have questions regarding whether you should come to Mass on Sunday or utilize the dispensation and not attend Sunday Mass, below are some guidelines for utilizing the dispensation and not attending Mass.
 
1. You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered, you are infirmed, or, while wanting to go, you are prevented for some reason you cannot control {e.g., your ride did not show up, the church was at capacity}).
2. You are seriously ill, or if not seriously ill, your health condition will be compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high-risk category) for as long as this endures. Use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
3. You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (e.g., you were in recent contact with one who contracted a contagion). Use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
4. You exhibit flu-like symptoms. Use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
5. You are overcome by anxiety and fear of becoming ill by being at Mass, such that you will not be able to participate in the Mass in a full and active manner; you should rather speak with your pastor about this anxiety.
6. You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed.
 
Nonetheless, all are to keep the Lord’s day holy. If you are not able to attend Mass, perhaps participate in Mass online and make a spiritual communion or read and reflect upon the Sunday Scriptures as a family. May we continue to support one another through these days as we give glory to God!
St. John Vianney...pray for us!
-Fr. Tony Rowland