Updated Liturgical Guidance for Worship
Beginning with the Sunday Masses of June 6, 2021,
to attend Sunday and Holy Day Mass
for the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Since our guidance throughout this pandemic has been
to follow the regulations of public health authorities,
there will be no mask mandate for churches of the archdiocese
after the statewide mandate is lifted.
As was announced last week,
seating capacity in churches can be increased to full,
subject only to the restrictions of local
(county and city) health departments.
It remains a good practice to retain at least one section of seating
for at least one Sunday Mass with socially distanced seating.
At St. Thomas More this seating will be the Blessed Mother's section
and also some pews in front of the ambo.
LETTER FROM OHIO BISHOPS
Together, the Bishops of Ohio have decided
that the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays
and Holy Days of Obligation (including the Saturday/Vigil Mass)
is to be reinstated.
This will take effect in each of the Dioceses of Ohio
the weekend of June 5-6, 2021.
As has always been the case, those who have a serious reason
are exempt from attending Mass on Sundays
and Holy Days of Obligation
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181).
This includes those who are ill,
have significant health risk factors
or care for someone who is immuno-compromised or ill,
as well as those who have significant fear
or anxiety of contracting the coronavirus in a large group of persons.
Nevertheless, these persons should 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 appropriate way to do this is through viewing
a broadcast of the Sunday Mass.
Masses that are broadcast through various media are not
intended as a substitute
nor do they fulfill the obligation for the persons
who are able to gather for a Sunday celebration
and other Holy Days of Obligation.
Instead, they are intended for the sick,
homebound, the imprisoned, etc.,
who are unable to attend Mass in person.
Click below to read the entire letter from the Ohio Bishops:
