Worship during Pandemic

Bishop Bradley lifted the general dispensation on the Solemnity of Pentecost, May 22, [read his Letter to the Faithful] reinstating the normal expectations around the practice of our Faith. These include the obligation to participate, in-person, in the celebration of Holy Mass each weekend for all who are able to do so. A person who is able to do so, but chooses not to come to Mass, is guilty of a mortal sin, in light of the grave responsibility that each person has to “keep Holy the Lord’s Day” by coming to Mass each Sunday.

As the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our Christian life, we have always considered Mass to be an essential activity and have done our best to balance public health concerns while still providing access to the Mass and Sacraments to the faithful.

While we all realize that the pandemic is by no means over, we all need to, and long for, a return to the celebration of Mass and the ability to receive the Sacraments. Since we are returning to some level of normalcy in many aspects of our lives, regarding both our employment lives and social events, we must also do so in regard to the most important part of our lives: the practice of our Faith. More and more people in southwest Michigan have been fully vaccinated, and the numbers of people becoming fully vaccinated continues to grow.

During these difficult months of pandemic, our pastors, parishes, and all the faithful have adapted in order to ensure the health and well-being of everyone in our local communities. The safety precautions in place at our churches, such as capacity limits and rigorous cleaning protocols, have proven effective at facilitating essential public worship without undue risk of accelerating the pandemic. And while livestreamed Masses have been a means to help Catholics nourish their souls when they could not be present for Mass, we must remember that it cannot become the norm. God did not come to us virtually. He came to us — and continues to come to us — in the flesh. As Catholics, unmediated contact with the Real Presence of the flesh and blood of Our Lord in offering this sacrifice to the Father is irreplaceable and essential. We recall Christ’s own words when he foretold the gift of the Holy Eucharist:

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” (John 6: 54-56)

In recognition of the essential and central nature of the Holy Eucharist in our lives as Catholics, it is important that the faithful begin to return to Mass, when and where possible.

No. Long before this pandemic, the Church has always recognized that there are “serious” or “grave” reasons that prevent Catholics from attending Mass.

For example, if a person is sick or homebound, or living/visiting areas of the world where access to the Mass is limited, or a situation arises that prevents travel (snowstorm or flat tire), such persons would not be bound by the obligation.

In the case of this pandemic, serious or grave reasons would include:

• Anyone who is sick, symptomatic, or has been recently exposed to the coronavirus. Protecting the health of others is an act of Christian charity and our moral duty to one another.
• Anyone with significant health risk factors that requires them to avoid public spaces, or if you care for someone with significant risk factors.
• Anyone who cannot attend Mass through no fault of their own, for example, if a parish has reached capacity.

If a person is unable to attend Mass due to sickness or other serious risks or concerns, the obligation does not apply; that person is dispensed by virtue of his or her particular circumstances. All the faithful however have the obligation to “keep holy the Lord’s Day” and on Sundays are encouraged to spend time in prayer, participate in a live stream of the Mass, meditate on the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection, and participate in Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.

If you have any questions, please discuss with your Pastor. 

As Catholics, we are invited by God to gather together in community, and participate fully in the Sunday Eucharist, which is the “source and summit of the Christian life.”

“Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God’s holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” Catechism 2182

The Sunday and Holy Day obligation is not something God asks of us out of his own necessity or need to be worshipped, but rather a gift to the faithful for our own spiritual well-being, happiness, and eternal salvation.

 We will continue reviewing and updating our guidelines to allow for the protection of all God's people and in adherence to current State capacity restrictions. 

Absolutely. It is highly encouraged that all parishes who are able to continue providing these opportunities.

Masks are not required for attendance. However it is recommended that those individual at particular risk, feel more comfortable wearing one or who are unvaccinated continue to wear masks for indoor worship. Clergy and altar servers are asked to continue to wear masks, as well as anyone assisting with Holy Communion. Ushers/Parish staff are NOT to ask any parishioner and/or attendee what their vaccination status is. 

-updated May 21, 2021

The Sign of Peace will remain a non-contact gesture or nod.

The faithful always have the right to receive either on the tongue or in the hand. Our recommendation for receiving on the tongue is:

If possible, the reverence and the verbal exchange should take place 6 feet away: Bow – “The Body of Christ” – “Amen” – then step forward to receive.

Allow time for the Host to be placed safely on your tongue, and for the one distributing to remove his hand, so as to avoid contact. After receiving, replace your mask and return prayerfully to your pew. 

Yes.