The Bishops of Ohio are reinstating the obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Masses. However, those having reservations about coming into crowded places may still avoid Sunday Mass attendance. Here are the exact words of the Bishops: “As has always been the case, those who have a serious reason are exempt from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181). This includes those who are ill, have significant health risk factors or care for someone who is immune-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety of contracting the coronavirus in a large group of persons.”

We will still encourage the wearing of masks for now. The seating capacity will be returned to full except for a section where those who wish to socially distance may sit in a reserved section. Holy Water will be in the fonts and the hymnals will be back in the pews. There still will be no processions at the beginning and end of Mass, no offertory processions, no sign of peace, no communion cups and the collection will be collected as we are presently doing. Communion in the hand will still be the norm. we will continue to sanitize the church on a regular schedule. Remember that we have ionizers cleaning the air throughout our entire facility.

Let us all remember that the pandemic is not yet over. We still need to take some precautions to protect everyone from contracting this virus.