Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 2, 2021 / 14:04 pm
The Bishop of Springfield in Illinois is requesting that parishioners wear masks to Mass in compliance with a recent state public health order, but will not require COVID-19 vaccinations.
While noting that “our parishes are asked to follow the new mask mandate in indoor public places,” Bishop Thomas Paprocki added that “no one is to be excluded from attending Mass for not wearing a face covering.” He made the announcement in an Aug. 30 message to his diocese on state mask and vaccine mandates.
“The obligation to attend Holy Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation is paramount since eternal life is the most important consideration,” he said, emphasizing against turning people away from Mass for not wearing masks.
The bishop also noted that “some people may be excused from attending Mass for not wearing a face covering for medical reasons.”