Obligation to Attend Mass

News - For Immediate Release
DATE: March 13, 2020
FROM: Deacon David Montgomery
PHONE: 563-888-4222 Chancellor | Chief of Staff [email protected]
Diocese of Davenport
RE: Obligation to Attend Mass

Special Statement for Catholic Parishes/Schools in the Diocese of Davenport –

Effective March 12, 2020
From Bishop Thomas Zinkula:

The obligation to attend Mass is dispensed for the sick, those caring for the sick and people who are at high-risk from COVID-19 (elderly, medically-frail). All Catholics in Johnson County are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass.

Most of the cases of COVID-19 in Iowa are in Johnson County where the number of reported positive tests is increasing. Large group gatherings or meetings in Johnson County should be postponed if at all possible. Participants at Mass and gatherings should be seated at least 6 feet apart. Hence, it may become necessary to limit the number of individuals present for any one Mass.

Remember the “Three C’s” – Cover, Clean, Contain. Covering coughs appropriately, careful and regular handwashing, and staying home if you are sick are the most important steps that we can take.

Let us remember in our prayers those who are suffering in this outbreak: the sick, the anxious, and all those most vulnerable to social disruption. And let us pray, too, for scientists, health professionals, public officials, and all who are serving the common good in this difficult and uncertain time.

For more information, go to the Diocese of Davenport flu page: https://www.davenportdiocese.org/flu Iowa Department of Public Health: https://idph.iowa.gov/ Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

[To the media: send questions to [email protected]. Responses will be provided as soon as possible.]

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