Hundreds of faithful availed themselves of the opportunity to return to the public celebration of Mass this week. Public Masses have not been celebrated in the Diocese since Bishop Michael R. Cote, together with bishops throughout the region made the decision to suspend public worship in mid-March.

“I am so grateful, I will never take receiving the Eucharist for granted again," said one communicant at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Monday, June 8th, the day that churches that were able to fully implement the guidelines set forth by the diocese could resume public worship.

Muffled by masks, many of the participants at Monday’s Masses echoed the sentiment. Wearing masks over your nose and mouth is one of the requirements that the faithful must meet to attend Mass.

The reopening guidelines were developed to help pastors and parish administrators resume public worship. “The main goal in creating the standards is to keep everyone, faithful and clergy alike, safe while maintaining sound liturgical principles,” Fr. Peter J. Langevin, Chancellor for the Diocese said.  He went on to say, “We are hearing many positive reports from pastors and parishioners. This has been a good week.” 

Resuming public worship safely is a shared responsibility. Pastors are responsible for ensuring the worship facilities fully meet the requirements set forth by the guidelines, While the faithful who choose to attend mass follow all the guidelines.

If you have not done so, please watch the video and read the requirements.

Opening the church is the public worship for weekday masses is a necessary first step that will give parishes a chance to evaluate their implementation of the guidelines and adjust where needed.

Celebration of public masses on Saturday evening and Sunday remain suspended until further notice.

The dispensation for the Sunday obligation to attend Mass continues until further notice.

Please check with your parish for specific information regarding resuming public worship at your church.