The Bishops of Colorado have announced that the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days will be restored on Pentecost Sunday – May 23, 2021 – and all Catholics who are healthy and without significant risk factors or other serious reasons should resume normal Mass attendance in the coming weeks.

Catholics are encouraged to use the Easter season to prayerfully contemplate why they are called to Mass every week, and if necessary, educate themselves on the Church’s teachings on the obligation, including acceptable reasons to still stay home.

Parishes will continue to take prudent steps to ensure public Masses are celebrated in a safe manner.

Does this mean every Catholic is obligated to go to Mass?

No. Long before this pandemic, the Church has always recognized that there are “serious” or “grave” reasons that prevent Catholics from attending Mass.

For example, if a person is sick or homebound, or living/visiting areas of the world where access to the Mass is limited, or a situation arises that prevents travel (snowstorm or flat tire), such persons would not be bound by the obligation.

In the case of this pandemic, serious or grave reasons would include:

· Anyone who is sick, symptomatic, or has been recently exposed to the coronavirus. Protecting the health of others is an act of Christian charity and our moral duty to one another.
· Anyone with significant health risk factors that requires them to avoid public spaces, or if you care for someone with significant risk factors.
· Anyone who cannot attend Mass through no fault of their own, for example, if a parish has reached capacity.

For more information, a statement from the bishops and an FAQ is available on the Archdiocese website – archden.org/return