2021
My Dear Ones in Christ,
Over the past year or so I feel as if I have been anything but the bearer of good news. I must say, however, that even though we are about six months away from the celebration of Christmas, it is my joy to bring you 'Glad Tidings' this day. Effective on Saturday, June the 19th, 2021, our Pastors and Administrators may open our Churches for the celebration of Mass and for all Sacramental services at 100% of the normal capacity of our worship spaces without social distancing. We are not alone in this. Most if not all the bishops of California will be following suit that same weekend. It is a long time coming and although we still have a way to go, I am proud of the way you have all navigated the troubled waters we have been through.
There are other welcome changes that will also go into effect at the same time although they will be accompanied by a few adjustments. Those changes include the following:
As I said in the introduction to this announcement, we still have a way to go in terms of dealing with the pandemic and getting closer to a more normal way of gathering and celebrating. Please observe the following basic precautions as these changes are implemented:
Apart from the Mass and other Sacramental moments, other ministerial, catechetical and social gatherings may resume but only if the simple health precautions outlined above are observed carefully. Special precautions, of course, should be taken by Pastors and Administrators for events at which food is distributed. For special events, contact Risk Management for guidance and approval; the 'R-3: Trip and Function Form' is still required to be submitted for approval. Like 'Parental Discretion' at the movies, ‘Pastoral Discretion’ is advised!
Finally, and most importantly, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is hereby rescinded and that will be effective from Sunday, June the 20,2021. From that day forward, all the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Fresno will be obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation. Pastors and Priests especially, please be very attentive and pastoral toward those who cannot fulfill that obligation or who are not obligated to attend. As we know, pandemic or not, the obligation does not apply for those who are too sick to attend, those who are caring for someone who has a serious health problem or for those who might have some other serious reason for being absent. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2180 and #2181) can be very helpful with your pastoral approach in this regard. Also, we have learned a few things during this past year and the livestreaming of our Masses will surely benefit those who cannot attend in person for the reasons just stated.
Let me end this good news with a simple quote from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy from the Second Vatican Council:
"The Church, therefore, earnestly desires that Christ's faithful, when present at this mystery of faith, should not be there as strangers or silent spectators; on the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration." N.48
Yes, it will be so good for us to gather again for the Sunday obligation, to celebrate the mysteries of our faith on Holy Days of obligation, Holy days of wonder and Holy days of opportunity to grow in our faith and in our love of the Eucharist.
God bless you and those you love, always and in every way.
In Christ,
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