Statement of the Bishops of the Province of Baltimore and the Archdiocese of Washington Lifting the General Dispensation from the Obligation to Attend Mass We, the Catholic Bishops of the Province of Baltimore and the Archdiocese of Washington, give thanks to Almighty God for the progress our country has made in curbing the coronavirus pandemic. The average number of new cases of COVID-19 continues to decline due to the observance of safety protocols and the increase of the availability of the vaccine. At this time, many places in our region are enjoying a return to some sense of normalcy. Therefore, we are lifting the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Archdiocese of Washington, and the Dioceses of Arlington, Richmond, Wheeling-Charleston, and Wilmington and reinstating that obligation beginning on Saturday, June 26, 2021, and Sunday, June 27, 2021. We welcome and encourage the Faithful to return to full in-person participation of the Sunday Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith (cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 1246-1247, and Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2180). This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus, or another serious or contagious illness; those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions. One should consult his or her local pastor if questions arise about the obligation to attend Mass (canon 1245 and Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2181). Safety protocols and other liturgical directives in each diocese remain in effect until modified or revoked by the respective Diocesan Bishop. Let us continue to be united in prayer for one another and for an end to the global pandemic. Given on June 2, 2021 Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory  Archbishop, Archdiocese of Washington Most Reverend William E. Lori  Archbishop, Archdiocese of Baltimore  Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge  Bishop, Diocese of Arlington  Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout Bishop, Diocese of Richmond Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan  Bishop, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Most Reverend William Francis Malooly Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Wilmington

Dear Folks,

Memorial Day: please remember in prayers all those who have given their lives to protect and serve our country. We should never tire of honoring and saluting their sacrifice.

Lifting of social distancing executive orders: Be understanding of one another as we return to pre-pandemic spaced seating in the church! For folks who feel an urgent need to keep the 6 foot spacing, we are going to continue to offer the PLC as a socially distanced space to participate in the Mass. Please do not enter the PLC if you cannot find a seat that is socially distanced from the folks already there. And the Holy Cross Academy, Sunday 8:30am ‘pandemic’ Mass will still require masks and social distancing! Staff will be watching to see how the need for these spaces evolves as we return to Mass.

Finally, Summer: let me repeat an exhortation that I often give at the beginning of summer regarding vacations, Mass attendance, and dressing properly for Mass.

Summer brings vacation, and that means relaxation for most folks. One of the great benefits of summer is that life slows down significantly for us. I still exhort you to make Sunday Mass the cornerstone of your week. If you need to find a Catholic Church near to your vacation in Toledo, Timbuktu, or even Toronto …. then check out: MassTimes.org.

Summer also brings different wardrobes. I remember as a child that it meant that we would break out the white pants that would be my “Sunday Clothes” for the summer. Remember those: Sunday Clothes? We each would do well to just pause and examine our consciences about how we dress for Jesus during the summer. The most common argument is that, “Jesus doesn’t care what I wear!” or “God doesn’t need me to dress up!” We are right to say that God doesn’t need me to dress up…. I need me to dress up! However Jesus does care what we wear, but not because He is judging us based on our clothes. He cares what we wear because how we dress is part of our preparation for and participation in Mass! When we take the time and effort to give Jesus our best (clothes, time, attention, and love) He can pour out his blessing into our souls! The concept of “Sunday Clothes” is that I give Jesus my best, because that is what God deserves, the best of me. I recall with great fondness how I would untuck my shirt every Sunday, the very second that I walked out of the Church Door!

Let me also be clear to say that nobody is to be turned away or judged because they are wearing shorts and flip-flops. There are times when we are literally coming from the beach, or on our way to a soccer match, or even sometimes folks can be simply struggling to feel welcome at Mass. I recall a conversation in another parish with a teen who was inappropriately dressed for Mass, where they were actually hoping that I would chastise them so that they could have an excuse not to come back! I know you pray for wisdom as parents, let us also pray for wisdom as a parish family to be gentle with our struggling sheep, but also challenging all to grow deeper in faith every day.

pax,

Fr. Mosimann

Bishop Burbidge has announced that all restrictions on Mass will be lifted effective May 28!  For St Mary, that means starting May 28, there will be no seating restrictions, and no ushers walking you to your seats, and no required distance between family groups.  Masks are only required for those who are unvaccinated, but we cannot and will not be asking people to provide any proof of vaccination.

HOWEVER, please be aware that the dispensation from attending Sunday Mass remains in effect for a little while longer, according to the Bishop.  We will continue to stream the daily Mass at 9am and 8:30am Sunday and 2:30pm Sunday in Spanish until the dispensation is lifted.

IN ADDITION, St Mary will provide 1 “COVID SAFE” Mass for a while longer while parishioners are adjusting to the change.  The 8:30am HCA Mass on Sunday will still require masks and social distancing.  All other Masses at St Mary and Holy Cross will not.

One final note: for those who arrive at St Mary and find a crowded church and are uncomfortable, we will leave the PLC open for live streaming and communion for a little while longer.