Clarification from Bishop Lawrence Persico
in preparation for the return of the obligation to attend Mass

As previously announced, I am reinstating the obligation to attend Mass in person on Sundays and holy days beginning on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.

I have heard from a number of parishioners who are particularly concerned about the dispensation being lifted just as cases of the Delta variant are beginning to surge. By way of clarification, I want to bring the following paragraph from the statement of the bishops of Pennsylvania to your attention:

“This obligation, as is always the case, does not apply to those who are seriously ill, have a serious health risk, as well as those who have serious anxiety of being a part of large groups at this time. Likewise, the obligation does not apply to those who care for those who cannot attend Mass in person (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2181). Those who are legitimately excused from Mass on Sundays and Holy Days are encouraged to spend time in prayer, meditating on the death and resurrection of the Lord, reading the Sacred Scriptures, and uniting

themselves to Christ in his worship of the Father of us all. Those who are legitimately excused are also encouraged to view a broadcast of the Mass which is intended for those who cannot participate in person.

The full statement can be found at www.eriercd.org/news/News-releases.html