Returning to Mass: July 1 Marks End of Dispensation in Minnesota

Now, as the pandemic subsides, and public gathering restrictions and safety protocols are lifted, it is time to gather the Body of Christ again. Therefore, the Bishops and Diocesan Administrators of the Minnesota Catholic Conference have decided to reinstate the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation beginning the weekend of July 3-4, 2021. Among the precepts of the Church is the obligation that baptized Catholics attend and participate in the Eucharist every Sunday and on the Holy Days of Obligation.  The in-person celebration of Sunday Mass and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist are vital to our lives as Catholic Christians.

A note: Although the general dispensation will no longer be available, The Church has always recognized that certain circumstances can excuse a person from the requirement to observe the obligation. Persons are excused from the obligation on Sundays or Holy Days as follows: You have reason to believe your health would be significantly compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness; you exhibit flu-like symptoms; you have good reason to think you may be asymptomatic of a contagious illness; you care for the sick, homebound or infirm; you are pregnant or you are over 65 years of age or older and perhaps at high-risk; you cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own; or you have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.

Even if unable to attend Mass in person, for whatever legitimate reason, we are all still obligated to observe the Lord’s Day in some way – encouraged to spend time in prayer, participate in Mass remotely by live-stream, or whatever you believe would help you connect with God and feed your soul.

We certainly welcome back to in-person Mass here at SKD, anyone and everyone who can.   We will also have a special WELCOME HOME Mass and celebration on Sunday, August 22 – hopefully at our land next to Central Park and if that cannot work then at Elmcrest Park.  More details to follow in the weeks ahead.

Blessings to you all!
Father Paul

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