Bishop Walkowiak Extends Dispensation

                 DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS
                 Office of the Bishop
 
 
 
 
August 24, 2020
 
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am extending the dispensation for all Catholics within the territory of the Diocese of Grand Rapids from their obligation of attending Sunday Mass through October 18.
The dispensation is granted broadly to ensure that anyone who needs to stay home to protect the common good can do so confidently, in good conscience. But those who are truly able to attend Mass should begin to return, remembering that we are transformed by being joined to Christ in the Eucharist. I am confident in the safety precautions our pastors and parish staffs have implemented to safeguard the physical health of the faithful while attending Mass: the required wearing of masks, proper social distancing, and cleaning according to CDC guidelines.
My advisors and I will continue to monitor and adjust this dispensation as needed to preserve the spiritual and physical health of Catholics in the diocese. While this dispensation is in effect, all baptized Catholics are reminded of their obligation to keep the Lord’s Day holy. Mass will continue to be televised at 10 a.m. Sunday on FOX 17 and livestreamed on the diocesan website (grdiocese.org) and Facebook page (Diocese of GrandRapids).
We entrust our prayers to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness of those who suffer illness. Please continue to check the diocesan website: http://bit.ly/GRdioceseCOVID19Updates and social media for the latest information on our COVID-19 response.
 
 
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Bishop of Grand Rapids

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