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O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.  We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.

At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith.  You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.

We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us:

He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.

Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Amen.  

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"Loving God, today we come to you full of anxiety and stress about what has happened and what may happen. Shower us with the peace Jesus promised to his disciples, and make us steady pillars for those around us. In this time of uncertainty and pandemic, wake us up to the reminder that we are never alone. Strengthen our resolve to lean on your word and be guided by your enduring love and Spirit..."
 
Click here to read the full prayer adapted from the Catholic Health Association.

• National Centers for Disease and Control Prevention website  (CDC)
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 Resource webpage
• Winnebago County Health Department COVID-19 webpage
• Diocese of Green Bay COVID-19 Response webpage

Dear brothers & sisters in Christ, 

I am happy to share with you that Bishop Ricken has lifted the dispensation for Sunday Mass obligation.  Beginning the weekend of August 14 & 15 - the Feast of the Assumption - all Catholics in the Diocese of Green Bay will again gather to worship and share in the Eucharist as a community of faith on Sundays.

“Since we are experiencing greater health in our communities and our parishes, after much discernment and consultation, I have decided to lift the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass effective on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven,” said Bishop Ricken. “Because we truly love God, and strive to be missionary disciples, we would want to spend time with Him, to worship, praise and adore Him. The Sunday Mass is the most complete way we can do this.”

Bishop Ricken would like to invite you to read his column on lifting the dispensation to attend the Sunday Mass which appeared in the July 16 issue of The Compass.

Read Bishop Ricken's Column: The Greatest Gift Part 1

Occasions When Sunday Obligation Does Not Apply

Even with the reinstatement of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, it is important to note there are occasions when the obligation does not apply:

• If individual Catholics struggle with serious health concerns or are physically or morally prevented from worshipping at Mass for a serious reason
• If individuals are frail due to illness or age or, in their well-formed conscience believe that going into public places -- including Sunday worship at Mass -- would place their health or the health of their loved ones in serious jeopardy
• If individuals are sick, or have been in contact with someone who has been sick
• If there is severe weather

The faithful who are unable to attend Mass should follow the third Commandment “To Keep Holy the Lord’s Day” by spending time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, and taking part in acts of charity from home.

The obligation to attend Mass for Catholics reflects our faith in Jesus Christ, the blessing of the Holy Eucharist and an acknowledgment of His great love for us. Our longing for the grace we receive in the Eucharist can be fulfilled in no other manner.  I look forward to joining together again as a full community of faith to Encounter Jesus in the Eucharist so that we may Live Out the Joy of the Gospel, and Bring Others to Christ.

Peace, 
Fr. Jerry Pastors