Bishop Michael Barber dispensing obligation to attend Sunday Mass

March 13, 2020

From Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, Bishop of Oakland

Anuncio en Españ ol

Because of the heightened concern for the well-being of all our people in light of the Coronavirus, especially the elderly, I am dispensing from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for all Catholics in the Diocese of Oakland.  Effective immediately, this dispensation will remain in effect until further notice. We will continue to monitor the recommendations of public health officials and re-evaluate as the situation warrants.

In the meantime, our churches and chapels remain open.  Masses will continue to be celebrated and confessions heard, in order to provide for the spiritual consolation of the faithful.  We leave the decision to attend Mass or not to each individual's discretion.

Some parishes may determine to cancel or postpone nonessential gatherings, including catechetical sessions, fundraisers and social activities. This decision should be made at the parish level. If the cancelled or postponed event was intended to raise money for a ministry or service, please consider offering people an alternative means to contribute to the ministry or service.

As we have previously stated, if people feel unwell or suffer from an existing medical condition, they should stay home. This dispensation is in place to help mitigate the spread of the virus, while still giving people access to the source of love and peace, Jesus Christ.

If you choose to attend Mass, please practice the guidelines being given by public health officials as posted on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov, especially cleaning your hands often and maintaining at least an arm’s length distance from others.

Those who are not able to physically participate at Sunday Mass in their parish church should unite themselves spiritually with the Lord. Daily Scripture readings are available at usccb.org. Live-streamed Masses are available at on the Internet and television, including at EWTN.com.

I thank our priests who stand ready to be Good Shepherds, reassuring our people, dispensing the consolation of the sacraments, and bringing the healing touch of Christ to those who are ill.  The Catholic Church has never lacked saints who have generously volunteered to assist the sick and suffering, even at personal risk. St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Father Damian of Molokai, St. John of God, St. Sister Marianne Cope, are all examples to us of heroic love and service. Let us follow their lead.

Our Lady, Health of the Sick, intercede for us with your Son - and bring an end to this plague afflicting our world.