In the wake of the rising cases of COVID throughout our Diocese, Bishop Ricken has reinstated the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Bishop announced the dispensation in a decree on Monday, October 5; it takes effect immediately, and will remain in effect until further notice.
We will continue to celebrate Mass for those who are able to attend and are willing to strictly follow the proper health protocols.
The dispensation from the Sunday obligation is necessary at this time to protect all in our community when COVID cases are skyrocketing. I am grateful to Bishop Ricken and his prayerful discernment and flexible leadership as he cares for the people of God in our Diocese. At the same time, I am sensitive to the spiritual challenges which come from a prolonged time away from the Mass.
To help slow the spread of the virus in Oshkosh, we are taking a few other precautions as well: