Archbishop Vigneron announced that the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days will expire on Saturday, March 13, 2021. In its place, he is granting a number of particular dispensations for the faithful who may find themselves in specific circumstances.

Please read below for information about these specific dispensations and visit aod.org/comehometohope to learn more about how our parishes are working to keep everyone safe at Mass as well as tips and advice for inviting friends and family to attend Mass with you.

 

PARTICULAR DISPENSATION INFORMATION

The general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (including the anticipatory Mass at 4:00pm or later on the previous day) is to be reinstated in the Archdiocese of Detroit effective Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Considering the grave obligation we have of being physically present with our brothers and sisters at Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation for the Eucharist, each of us is asked to make a good and sincere judgement as to whether these circumstances apply or not. Where doubt or confusion persists, consult any priest for clarity.

While the general dispensation is removed, there are specific instances where the dispensation will continue, as well as those circumstances where there is no obligation in the first place. One does not have an obligation to attend Mass on Sunday in the following circumstances:

1. You are ill or your health condition would be significantly compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high-risk category). Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
2. You exhibit flu-like symptoms. Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
3. You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (e.g., you were in recent contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious illness such as COVID or influenza). Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
4. You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed.
5. You are pregnant.
6. Those 65 years of age or older (per the CDC’s recommendation of high-risk individuals).
7. You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered, you are infirmed, or, while wanting to go, you are prevented for some reason you cannot control (e.g., your ride did not show up, the church was at capacity).
8. If you have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.

For questions about the application of any of these, please contact your pastor.

These categories will be reviewed in due course and revised as needed.

Those within categories #1-8 above must still observe the Lord’s Day and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday, meditating on the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection; an excellent way to do this is through participating in a broadcast of the Sunday Mass.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation expire?
Why is the general dispensation ending now?
Was this decision made in consultation with healthcare experts?
Does this mean everyone is now obligated to go to Mass again?
Who is still dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass?
I am unsure if the particular dispensations apply to me. What should I do?
Are masks and other safety precautions still required?
Are there still capacity restrictions at churches in the Archdiocese of Detroit?
Will parishes add additional Masses to accommodate everyone who wants to attend Mass?
Will parishes still livestream Masses?
Might the general dispensation be reinstated if the pandemic worsens locally?
Why are Catholics normally obligated to attend Mass?
 

CURRENT COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR ALL MASS, SACRAMENTS, AND OTHER LITURGIES.

Churches are to be open whenever possible. This includes most importantly being open for Mass, Sacraments, and other liturgies (see list below), and at other times for private prayer. All these liturgies are required to adhere to the following safety protocols:

1. Churches and other parish spaces are not to exceed 50% capacity.
2. Social distancing between households is to be maintained whenever possible, especially in seating for Mass and other liturgical events.
3. Mask are required indoors at churches, including during Mass and other liturgical events.
4. Parishes and chapels are required to follow CDC guidelines for “regular cleaning” of facilities. Churches are no longer required to sanitize between each Mass.
5. Hand sanitizer should be regularly available throughout the church building.

Liturgies include the following:

1. Mass
2. Sacrament of Confession
3. Eucharistic Adoration
4. Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (within Mass and outside of Mass)
5. Sacrament of Baptism (within Mass and outside of Mass)
6. Weddings (within Mass and outside of Mass)
7. Funerals (within Mass and outside of Mass)
8. Sacrament of Confirmation (within Mass and outside of Mass)
9. Prayer services (healing, intercessory prayer, Scripture services, etc.)
10. Rites for RCIA (e.g. Rite of Election, Scrutinies)
11. Devotions and communal acts of popular piety (Novenas, Public recitation of the Holy Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Devotion, St. Joseph Devotion, etc.)