RESTORATION OF SUNDAY OBLIGATION

It has been decreed that the restoration of the Sunday obligation will begin the next Pentecost that will take place on May 23, 2021.

Over the last eleven months, parishes have continued to increase attendance and welcome back as many people as possible.

The health security protocols implemented by the parishes have proven to be extremely effective and we are unaware of any issues of community spread happening at a public Mass.

Because the worst of the pandemic seems to be behind us and access to COVID-19 vaccines has become widespread among the population, the general dispensation of the Eucharist is no longer necessary.

However, we will continue to take all the sanitary precautions required, despite the improvement of the situation.

As the People of God, as Church of Jesus Christ, that is, those summoned by God, we are invited to meet as a community to support each other in our faith and fully participate in the saving gift of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, which is “source and summit of Christian life”.

The obligation of Mass on Sundays is a gift for our own spiritual life, our happiness, and above all for our salvation, since our prayers do not increase the divinity of God at all because he does not need to be worshiped to be God; rather it is a benefit for all of us that without God we cannot be or exist.

There have always been exceptions that the Church has established to the Sunday and holy days of obligation. Serious or grave causes are excused from the obligation and they would be the following:

• Anyone who is sick with COVID19. Protecting the health of others is an act of charity and a moral duty to everyone.
• Anyone with significant health risk factors that force them to avoid public spaces or who cares for someone with significant risk factors.
• Anyone who cannot attend Mass through no fault of their own (If the parish has reached capacity)

The faithful who are unsure of their personal situation are encouraged to speak with their pastor.

Finally, let us ask the Lord to grant each of us a renewed spirit: that we may emerge from this pandemic stronger and with an increased commitment to sharing the Good News and building up the Church of Christ.

Let us pray for those who have drifted from the faith, that their hearts will be moved to return. And let us also pray for the full end of the pandemic, for all those who have suffered loss or have experienced despair and for all those who have served others with courage; so that God may grant them peace and comfort.

God bless you all,

Fr. Gerardo Garcia

Donations can be sent to:

St. Mary Catholic Church

P.O. BOX 191

Rifle, CO 81650

Or can be done online at:

www.archden.org/supportmyparish

Select Parish: Saint Mary-Rifle