Catholic bishop suspends worship obligation

The Brillion News

GREEN BAY - Green Bay Roman Catholic Bishop David L. Ricken on Friday,March 13, issued a dispensation to Catholics in his diocese from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the next three weekends due to health concerns caused by the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

He said that while Sunday celebrations of the Eucharist will continue in parishes throughout the diocese, Catholics have been granted a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass due to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This dispensation will cover the next three weekends, including Masses for Sundays March 15, 22, and 29. Masses will still be celebrated across the 16 counties of the diocese, but the obligation to attend Sunday Mass will be lifted for these three Sundays, leaving attendance to each person’s own best judgement. “During this time of heightened precautions we want to keep people safe, healthy and free from fear,” said Bishop Ricken. “These are measures to prevent an increase in the spread of the virus and serve as a precaution over the next three weekends. Following these three Sundays, we will reassess the situation.” A televised Sunday Mass is available via broadcast television on WBAY at 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning, on Relevant Radio, 1050 AM at 9 a.m., and through livestream from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay at the following link: https://sfxcathedralgb.com. Those Catholics who chose not to attend Mass because of this dispensation are urged to remain home and pray for healing, hope, and peace for all those affected by this illness.