Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski is lifting the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, beginning July 1.
Catholics who are sick, homebound, immunocompromised or otherwise gravely concerned for their health retain a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass, which has always been the case in normal times.
Additionally, the return of choirs, holy water fonts, hymnals and missalettes in the pews and the usage of offertory baskets is now at the discretion of the pastor of each parish. The distribution of the Precious Blood at Holy Communion remains prohibited until further notice from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The archdiocese recommends that individuals who have not received a vaccine should follow CDC guidelines. Catholics also should remain thoughtful of their own health and that of their community in monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms, related to the use of masks and social distancing measures. Masks remain optional for those who are fully vaccinated.
For more information about returning to Mass, see archstl.org/together.
