On May 19, 2021, the Diocese of Evansville released updated Covid-19 Guidelines. Those guidelines are below. Along with the revised guidlines the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass will be lifted on June 11, 2021

Diocese of Evansville COVID-19 Guidelines

May 19, 2021 – These guidelines take effect immediately and remain in effect until further notice.

Based on all currently available scientific data, and after consultation with county health departments, the following guidelines apply to parish and diocesan liturgical and non-liturgical events:

• Social-distancing is no longer required during Masses and other worship services, and face coverings and social distancing are no longer required for non-worship events and other gatherings on parish and diocesan property for those who have been fully vaccinated. Social-distancing and face coverings remain strongly encouraged for those who are not fully vaccinated.
• Pastors may implement more stringent social-distancing and face-covering guidelines at their discretion. Parishes may want to designate a section of the church and/or a given Mass for those who wish to continue wearing face coverings and practice social-distancing.
• NOTE: State-mandated guidelines for schools remain in effect through the end of classes on each school campus.
• Parishes should maintain contact with local health departments and follow all local guidelines.

Lifting of the Dispensation from the Obligation of Mass

Effective 11 June 2021

The celebration of the Eucharist at Mass is the source and summit of our life and mission as Catholics.           

Since March 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Roman Catholics throughout the entire Province of Indianapolis, which comprises all five dioceses of Indiana, have been dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. However, with the decrease of cases in our state, the widespread availability of vaccines and following the guidance of public health officials, we are now able to safely accommodate more parishioners for Masses. Therefore, effective June 11, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass is hereby lifted throughout the state of Indiana.

Except for the unique situations as described below, those who are otherwise healthy are obliged to return to Sunday Mass by the weekend of June 12-13, 2021:

• Those who are seriously ill, exhibit flu-like symptoms and/or may have a contagious disease (including quarantine due to exposure).
• Those who are unable to attend Mass through no fault of their own (e.g. transportation issue).
• Those who are homebound and/or incapacitated due to age, infirmity and/or medical restrictions.
• Those who have compromised health conditions and/or at high risk of contracting the virus.
• Those who are caretakers of person who are sick or of persons at high-risk of serious illness if they contract COVID-19 virus.

If you have any questions about any specific needs, concerns or protocols, you are advised to contact your parish directly. Your pastor, who has the authority to dispense in individual cases, may be helpful in addressing individual fears and concerns.

The obligation to attend Mass is a joyful one, reflecting the very character of who we are as Catholics.  We look forward to welcoming our parishioners each Sunday and Holy Day to worship God as a community of faith and to celebrate the presence of the Risen Christ among us in Word and Sacrament.   

ST. JOSEPH, PRAY FOR US!

Christ’s peace,

Fr. Bernie

 Holy Rosary Catholic Church EVV   

    Holy Rosary Catholic Church