Covid-19 Response

February 11, 2021 Memo ~ The wearing of masks at Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, however, will continue to be required until such a sufficient number of people have been vaccinated and cases of Covid 19 has diminished.
 
January 25, 2021 Memo ~
The obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days continues to be dispensed. The obligation to receive Holy Communion during the Easter season (Easter Duty) and to receive the Sacrament of Penance this year is dispensed. Parishioners should be encouraged to make a good confession as soon as they judge it feasible. The basic requirement of the Church is for all Catholics to “confess…grave sins at least once a year.” It is not essential that this take place during Lent or Easter. While the ‘Easter duty’ to receive the Eucharist should be done within the Easter season, the Code of Canon Law specifies that ‘for a just cause’ this obligation can be fulfilled ‘at another time during the year.

Parish Masses should continue to be open to parishioners. Some parish gatherings may be allowed such as a pastoral council meeting but with restrictions which includes any local governmental determinations: Physical distancing and the wearing of masks should be encouraged. Each church is to have a sign posted noting that masks are to be worn at Mass and as meetings and physical distancing practiced. However, do not ask people to leave or refuse them entrance if they refuse to wear a mask. Simply offer them the mask and ask that they wear it for the benefit of others. Each church is to have masks available at the entrance as well as sanitizers.
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