The celebration of the Eucharist at Mass is the source and summit of our life and mission as Catholics.
As of March 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Roman Catholics throughout the entire Province of Indianapolis, which comprises all five dioceses of Indiana, have been dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. However, with the decrease of cases in our state, the widespread availability of vaccines and following the guidance of public health officials, we are now able to safely accommodate more parishioners for Masses. Therefore, effective June 11, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass is hereby lifted throughout the state of Indiana.
Except for the unique situations as described below, those who are otherwise healthy are obliged to return to Sunday Mass by the weekend of June 12-13, 2021:
If you have any questions about any specific needs, concerns or protocols, you are advised to contact your parish directly. Your pastor, who has the authority to dispense in individual cases, may be helpful in addressing individual fears and concerns.
The obligation to attend Mass is a joyful one, reflecting the very character of who we are as Catholics.
Going forward, you'll no longer need to sign up to attend weekend Masses (except for our Centennial Mass on July 17). We have removed the strings and ribbons blocking pews since we are able to have 100% capacity. We strongly encourage mask-wearing for vulnerable and unvaccinated populations per health department guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation over the past year in terms of complying with all of the restrictions and policies. It hasn't been easy but we continue to give thanks for the blessing of being able to worship together in person. Our Church - both the physical structure and more importantly, the people in it, is a gift that we'll hopefully never take for granted.