Catholics in Lexington Diocese Dispensed From Sunday Mass Obligation as Part of Epidemic Response

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and with particular concern for vulnerable people, Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., has granted a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation for Catholics in the Diocese of Lexington for the weekend of March 14-15. Weekend Masses will still be celebrated, but Catholics are not obligated to attend.

Update (03/12/2020 3:00 PM) - Additional Measures for Prevention of the Spread of COVID-19

In order to better protect against the spread of COVID-19, all parishes, missions and schools of the diocese are encouraged to take the following measures:

Scrutiny dispensation: The Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent are the traditional times for the celebration of the Scrutinies with the Elect. The Scrutinies are an important part of the Lenten preparation for their initiation at the Easter Vigil and incorporate the whole community in prayer for their perseverance. Given the circumstances of this pandemic, and the reasonable need for many people to be absent from Sunday Mass, the bishop has given a general dispensation from up to two of the Scrutinies. Every effort should be made that each member of the Elect participates in at least one Scrutiny. These may be celebrated on a weekday when there are smaller congregations. Everyone is asked to do their best in these most unusual circumstances.

Choirs: Vocal choirs are of particular concern because of close proximity and droplet contamination from singing. Two of the Harrison County, KY infections were likely transmitted by church choir rehearsal exposure. Please consider suspending choir practices and choirs at Mass.

Cancellation of unnecessary events: Please cancel any unnecessary meetings and gatherings, especially where crowds of people are involved. Where possible, conduct meeting business via teleconferences and email correspondence.

Physical spacing at Mass: The recommendation from public health officials is that six feet between individuals is necessary to prevent spread of this virus. This should be noted to congregations, encouraging people to do the best they can to observe it.

Visits to nursing and health care facilities: Please be mindful that nursing homes and other facilities that assist the sick and elderly are severely limiting visitors at this time, in order to protect the people for whom they care. Numbers of pastoral visits should be kept to a minimum and follow all precautions for limiting spread of this disease.

https://www.cdlex.org/diocese-of-lexington-epidemic-response

https://www.cdlex.org/news/catholics-in-lexington-diocese-dispensed-from-sunday-mass-obligation-as-part-of-epidemic-response

https://files.ecatholic.com/2450/documents/2020/3/ADVISORY031220.pdf