October 23, 2020

Dispensation for Sunday Mass extended until further notice

Criterion staff report

The five Catholic bishops of Indiana have extended the dispensation for the obligation to attend the public celebration of Mass on Sundays to all the faithful until further notice.

“While commending our pastors and pastoral life coordinators who have gone to great lengths to assure safe worship spaces in our churches, given the continued increase of COVID-19 cases in our state, the Indiana bishops hereby extend the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation beyond Nov.1, 2020, until further notice. The Indiana bishops will continue to monitor the situation to determine when it might be advisable to modify or lift the dispensation,” said an Oct. 19 statement of the bishops from the Province of Indianapolis, which includes the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the Dioceses of Gary, Evansville, Fort Wayne-South Bend and Lafayette.

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson said, “Both clergy and laity must make every effort to maintain the availability of open churches and public liturgies by following public health guidelines and employing various safety protocols,” including:

  • The wearing of face coverings;
  • Social distancing;
  • Enhanced cleaning measures.

“Further guidelines, due to local situations, may be necessary in a particular parish,” Archbishop Thompson added.

SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis and other parishes across central and southern Indiana will continue livestreaming Masses.

Weekday Masses at the Cathedral are celebrated Monday through Friday at 5:15 p.m. Weekend Masses include the Saturday Vigil Mass at 5 p.m. and the Sunday liturgy at 10:30 a.m. Links to these Masses are available at www.archindy.org/streaming.

Daily Mass is also offered on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network), and Catholic Radio Indy 89.1 FM and 90.9 FM broadcasts a daily Mass at 8 a.m. each day from the EWTN chapel in Irondale, Ala. †

 

Related: Guidance (and some reminders) for this time in the pandemic for liturgical celebrations 

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