STATEMENT FROM BISHOP KEVIN VANN REGARDING THE DISPENSATION FROM THE OBLIGATION TO ATTEND SUNDAY MASS
Since the beginning of March 2020, Bishop Vann continues to generously concede a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass to people who fall into various categories. Specifically, those who are over the age of 65; those who have an underlying health condition; those who are truly fearful that they might contract the virus; and those who are sick, including those who have tested positive for the coronavirus and those who were exposed to them for fifteen consecutive minutes or more. While the diocesan bishop has the authority to dispense one, for good reason, from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday, he does not have the authority to dispense one from a Divine Law – in this case, from the commandment to keep holy the Lord’s Day. A member of the faithful who avails him/herself of the dispensation for legitimate reasons is expected to view the Sunday Mass on television on Saturday evening or Sunday; he or she may visit www.rcbo.org for a list of live-streaming services throughout the Diocese of Orange. Especially those confined to their homes should take special care to read the Scriptures, pray the Rosary, read spiritual books, and to undertake other pious practices in the spirit of keeping holy the Lord’s Day (Sunday). Moreover, the faithful are expected to adhere to the expectations laid out in canon 222 §1, that is, “to assist with the needs of the Church.” If they do not meet the conditions listed above, they are bound by the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
