Sunday Mass Dispensation Extended

For Immediate Release 

August 17, 2020

GAYLORD, MICHIGAN - Bishop Walter Hurley, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Gaylord, has announced the extension of the dispensation for all Catholics within the Diocese of Gaylord from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass through and including the feast of Christ the King, Sunday, November 22, 2020. The granting of this dispensation is not to discourage those who are able to attend Sunday Mass from doing so, but rather to enable so that anyone who needs to stay at home to protect the common good (their own or that of others) can do so confidently and in good conscience.

The protocols for Mass that have been established during this pandemic for the well-being and safety of all remain in place for parishes within the Diocese of Gaylord, namely: the required use of masks; limited singing; social distancing; cleansing of the churches according to CDC guidelines; as well as a congregation that does not exceed 25% of the capacity of the church. 

"All are asked to carefully observe these protocols because we care for each other and love each other as the Lord has called us to," said Bishop Hurley. "The celebration of the Eucharist/Sunday Mass should be at the very core of our faith life, and we are all called to keep holy the Lord's day. We must each seek to find time for prayer and spiritual Communion with the Lord, even if we cannot be present for the celebration of Eucharist. 

"Please continue to pray with me for consolation and relief from the pandemic. May we look forward to the First Sunday of Advent, on November 29, with fervent hope that we may be able to return to Mass together at that time."