FAQ re: Sunday Obligation & Covid-19

In the Diocese of Madison, Bishop Hying has decided that his previous dispensation will be lifted the weekend of September 26-27, 2020.

In accordance with the principles of canon law and moral theology, those who are prevented from attending Mass for grave reasons such as illness (including COVID-19, Influenza, and other communicable disease) or the care of infants (CCC #2181) are consequently not bound by the obligation to attend Mass in the first place, and they may therefore miss Mass on a day of obligation without the fear that they are thereby sinning, displeasing the Lord, or failing in their obligations as a Catholic

Those for whom, in their own prudent and prayerful judgment, attending Mass would pose greater than normal risk, either to themselves, to their families and others with whom they have contact, or to those attending Mass, whether the source of the additional risk is their age, health, possible recent exposure, difficulty in observing social distancing guidelines and other hygienic measures, or any other cause, gauged in proportion to the gravity of the obligation in question. This includes the elderly and those who care for them.

Those for whom, in their own prudent and prayerful judgment, attending Mass would pose greater than normal risk, either to themselves, to their families and others with whom they have contact, or to those attending Mass, whether the source of the additional risk is their age, health, possible recent exposure, difficulty in observing social distancing guidelines and other hygienic measures, or any other cause, gauged in proportion to the gravity of the obligation in question

Those who attempt to attend Mass but, due to the limitations on church capacity imposed by ecclesiastical or civil authority, are either unable to enter the church or else upon arrival voluntarily abstain from doing so in order that others may attend, even if it would be possible to attend another Mass without extreme difficulty are dispensed from their obligation.

The Diocese of Madison has shared guidelines and suggestions to priests and parishes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These have been shared widely in recent months and we make them available to you here.Click here

Not necessarily. Those who attempt to attend Mass but, due to the limitations on church capacity imposed by ecclesiastical or civil authority, are either unable to enter the church or else upon arrival voluntarily abstain from doing so in order that others may attend, even if it would be possible to attend another Mass without extreme difficulty are dispensed from their obligation.

No. Those not bound by the obligation to attend Mass in the first place, and they may therefore miss Mass on a day of obligation without the fear that they are thereby sinning, displeasing the Lord, or failing in their obligations as a Catholic

No. Similar to those being vulnerable themselves, those in their household are not bound by the obligation to attend Mass in the first place, and they may therefore miss Mass on a day of obligation without the fear that they are thereby sinning, displeasing the Lord, or failing in their obligations as a Catholic

Sunday Eucharist is the heart and center of the Church. It is the source and summit of the Christian life. In short, it is central to who we are as children of God. In Mass, we participate in the sacrifice of Christ, hearing the Word and receiving the Eucharist. Our people need the sacred nourishment of Mass as the most essential service. Watching Mass at home and making a spiritual communion, when not subject to the obligation to assist at Mass, is a good and pious practice in these months of quarantine, but it can never substitute for the efficacy of participating in even one celebration of the Eucharist.

Anyone who legitimately does not attend Mass on a given holy day, whether in virtue of this dispensation or for some reason that excuses the obligation by its very nature, is urged to sanctify the day through prayer and pious works such as reading Scripture, praying the rosary, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, or watching the Mass on television.