Updates regarding face masks
Updates regarding Mass dispensation
Starting Friday, June 11th, masks are no longer required for Mass and other church events in the Diocese of Gary. Public health officials still strongly encourage mask wearing for those not yet vaccinated. Vaccination rates in Indiana are below the national average, please consult your physician with personal reservations about the vaccine and arrange your free vaccination at any number of convenient locations. We are so grateful that many of our parishioners are returning to Mass! To accommodate the growing congregations, social distancing will not be required of all parishioners, though there will still be a section of the church set aside for fellow parishioners who wish to keep distance between households. Please be patient as we assess each week how best to apportion the seating. Continue to sanitize your hands before receiving Holy Communion, and those receiving on the tongue are asked to come at the end of the Communion line. The Precious Blood will not yet be shared with the whole congregation. The ushers will still sanitize the church after each Mass. Please remember that, while many parishioners are able to enjoy the lifting of most restrictions, there are still many of our brothers and sisters in the Lord who have only recently begun returning to Mass or who continue to live with health concerns and limitations. Together we can integrate individual freedom with care for the common good.
– Fr. Mike
Effective June 11, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass is lifted throughout the state of Indiana. There will be some circumstances where some of the faithful may continue to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. I encourage you to reach out to your parish with any questions you have about specific needs, concerns or safety protocols. Your pastor, who has the authority to dispense in individual cases, will be most helpful in addressing specific concerns.
Some circumstances where dispensation will remain
applicable include:
1. Those who are seriously ill, exhibit flu-like symptoms and/or may have a contagious disease. This includes the need to quarantine due to exposure to contagious disease.
2. Those who are unable to attend Mass through no fault of their own. An example would be – having no means of transportation.
3. Those who are homebound or incapacitated due to age, infirmity, or other medical restrictions.
4. Those who have compromised health conditions or are at high risk of contracting the coronavirus.
5. Those who are caretakers of persons who are sick or of persons at high-risk of serious illness if they contract the coronavirus.
Read the bishop’s full statement by clicking here.