Lifting of the Dispensation
From the Obligation of Mass
Effective June 11, 2021

The bishops of the five Catholic dioceses of Indiana have made the following announcement:

The celebration of the Eucharist at Mass is the source and summit of our life and mission as Catholics.
As of March 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Roman Catholics throughout the entire Province of Indianapolis, which comprises all five dioceses of Indiana, have been dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. However, with the decrease of cases in our state, the widespread availability of vaccines and following the guidance of public health officials, we are now able to safely accommodate more parishioners for Masses. Therefore, effective June 11, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass is hereby lifted throughout the state of Indiana.

Except for the unique situations as described below, those who are otherwise healthy are obliged to return to Sunday Mass by the weekend of June 12-13, 2021:

• Those who are seriously ill, exhibit flu-like symptoms and/or may have a contagious disease (including quarantine due to exposure).
• Those who are unable to attend Mass through no fault of their own (e.g. transportation issue).
• Those who are homebound and/or incapacitated due to age, infirmity and/or medical restrictions.
• Those who have compromised health conditions and/or at high risk of contracting the virus.
• Those who are caretakers of person who are sick or of persons at high-risk of serious illness if they contract Covid virus.

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Here at Nativity, we continue to welcome more and more people back to in-person Mass and also continue our gradual resumption of pre-pandemic liturgical practices. Ongoing measures include:

• Hymnals are once more in the pews and will be used at Masses 
• Face coverings are strongly encouraged to be worn by all at Mass and are expected for those who are not vaccinated for COVID-19, in accord with Marion County Health Department guidance.
• The 8:30 am Sunday Mass will continue to be live-streamed, even after the return of the Sunday obligation.
• Liturgical ministers have returned to many of our pre-pandemic procedures.