Bishop Duca Issues Mask Guidelines for Attending Mass

ishop Michael G. Duca on Wednesday afternoon issued mask guidelines for everyone attending “any indoor church events,” including Mass, whether on Sundays or weekdays.

The guidelines encompass all parish gatherings held indoors in a church facility and all communal celebrations of the sacraments.

However, the bishop, while acknowledging the latest COVID-19 surge is making some people uncomfortable attending Mass, stopped short of issuing a “collective dispensation for the faithful for now.”

But he did note that clergy members “already possess the faculty to dispense the faithful of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass in individual cases.”

“We all understand the principles for reducing the spread of the virus, so please act to avoid mass spread of it,” the bishop said in his letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. 

“As circumstances change in the future, we will also change our practices based upon medical advice, common sense and wisdom,” he said. “We begin another month, tired and weary due to this pandemic, but are fixed on a future filled with hope knowing that our courageous actions now will again yield much success in days to come.”

The bishop issued the guidelines to priests and deacons to assist in their ministry.
 

During a press conference later Wednesday afternoon in Christ Court at the Catholic Life Center, the bishop said the guidelines are effective the weekend of Aug. 7-8. In response to a media question, he said based on directives from Gov. John Bel Edwards, it appears churches “could have full capacity” as long as those in attendance are wearing masks.

“Wear masks and come back to Mass,” he urged. 

Bishop Duca said he understands that wearing a mask is difficult for many people for many different reasons. But he quickly added the belief that wearing masks is one of the best ways to cut down on the record-setting COVID-19 surge in Louisiana. 

“I believe if someone believes in their conscience that they should not have to wear a mask going to church, like anyone that might be afraid of going to church because people are not wearing masks, then I think they should feel dispensed from the obligation,” he said. “I don’t want to conflict with their conscience in that way. 

“But I would encourage them wearing a mask and coming to church.” 

Bishop Duca said this past week while celebrating Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral he noticed many of the those in attendance, if not most, were wearing masks. 

“People are feeling a little more concerned and taking more cautions,” he said. “We all kind of know what to do. Our pastors will continue to guide our people in ways that are best for our communities.”

The bishop said he is cognizant of the conflict regarding the wearing of masks and that he has “great love” for people on both sides of the discussion. 

“I don’t blame anyone for anything,” he said. “I just know we need to continue to work together, do the things we believe do work well. And I do believe masks do work well to lessen the surge.”

He said now is the time to put down the surge to keep the virus from changing and to help medical professionals in hospitals who are courageously working to keep people safe and alive.

“I’m old enough that if I have a heart attack tomorrow, I’d like to know there is a room for me. And today I’m not too sure about that.”

“I know it’s hard and divisive (but) we are a family,” he added. “At the moment let’s see if we can work together and make this happen, really get back to the normal we want.”

The bishop said masks will likely be available in the back of churches.