In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, public Masses will resume on Monday May 25.

The Catholic faithful who reside in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and all other Catholics in the archdiocese continue to be dispensed from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass. Those who are at risk or fearful that they or their family might become sick are encouraged to stay home and join the Church by viewing live-streamed Masses.

For more details about the return to Mass, read the Guidelines for the Resumption of Public Worship from the Office for Divine Worship and Sacraments.

Read Archbishop Schnurr’s Letter to the Faithful about the return to Public Mass, found here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Returning to Mass

• Who should return to Mass?
  • All Catholics in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati continue to be dispensed from the Sunday and Holy Day obligation. This means it is not a sin to not attend Mass. It also means that a weekday Mass does not “count” for one’s obligation — because there is, presently, no obligation. Those who are at risk, immunocompromised, or fearful that they or their family might become sick are encouraged to stay home and join the Church by viewing live-streamed Masses. While parishes will take every possible precaution and work diligently to employ the best health practices and increased cleaning, there is an assumed risk every time one enters a public space. Anyone who is presently sick, displaying symptoms, or who has recently been exposed to the coronavirus should refrain from attending a public Mass as an exercise in Christian charity and concern for the health and wellbeing of others.
• When can I attend Mass?
  • Parishes have been encouraged to begin celebrating public Masses beginning on May 25, however, this does not guarantee that every parish will be able to at that time. Attendance at Mass will be limited in order to adhere to social distancing requirements, etc. Because the Sunday obligation has been dispensed, Archbishop Schnurr has encouraged people to attend weekday Masses if possible, so as to spread out the church-going population throughout the week. Each parish will determine its own scheduling protocol, and many may require those wishing to attend a Mass to RSVP in advance in order to ensure a safe distance between attendees. Please stay connected with your parish to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information on the Mass schedule (which may differ during this time), information on signing-up, and other helpful information as you prepare to attend Mass. Please note that parishes are encouraged to continue live-streaming Mass out of consideration for those who are unable to attend in-person.
• The Catholic Telegraph has a complete list of live-streaming Masses in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on their website, found here.
• All live-streaming Masses from the Cathedral are available on the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Facebook page. As well as the Archdiocese of Cincinnati YouTube page. 
• Daily Masses are also available on TV from EWTN. Click here to find the correct cable channel.

• What restrictions will be in place? 
  • The Archdiocese of Cincinnati published a list of guidelines as a standard for parishes. Each parish, however, will be implementing the guidelines according to its own unique circumstances, considerations, and so forth. It is important that all returning to Mass have the most up-to-date information about procedures and restrictions from their parishes (or the parish they will be attending). Across the Archdiocese, the following restrictions will be in place:
    • The practice of social distancing. This will impact seating within the church and spaces where people often congregate.
    • The faithful are encouraged to wear masks.
    • There will also be temporary liturgical changes pertaining to offertory, the sign of peace, the reception of Holy Communion, holy water fonts, etc.
• Where will Mass be celebrated?
  • Pastors have been encouraged to creatively regulate the number of people in the church building at one time in order to ensure proper social distancing measures. While many parishes will likely utilize their regular sanctuary space, in order to better accommodate social distancing norms, some may celebrate Mass outside the parish church (e.g. gymnasium, field, etc.) with special permission from the Archdiocese.
• How can I help?
  • Please be patient with our priests, staffs, volunteers, and other parishioners as we all enter into unchartered territory. None of us have resumed public worship during a pandemic before, so certainly adjustments will need to be made along the way.
  • Stay informed! Be sure you are checking your parish’s website and are on the list to receive regular updates from your parish.
  • Follow the guidelines established by your parish. We’ve all made significant sacrifices during these months. We do not want those efforts to be in vain by rushing processes or trying to evade regulations.
    

    The Offices and Ministries of the Archdiocese have been working hard to gather resources for the faithful:

    Catholic Telegraph:

    COVID-19 Catholic Resource Page

    COVID-19 Daily update with Dominick Albano

    Office for Evangelization and Discipleship:

    COVID-19 Evangelization Resources

    Archdiocese of Cincinnati Leadership Website with exhaustive resources can be found here.

    Respect Life Office:

    COVID-19 Special Edition

    Being ProLife podcast with Archbishop Schnurr concerning COVID-19

    Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio:

    List of current services they are providing can be found here.

    Message from Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, CEO, Tony Stieritz.

    Catholic Social Action Office:

    COVID-19: Living Catholic Social Teaching

    Please join us in praying for all who are suffering from illness or disease of any kind, for all healthcare workers, and for an easing of the anxiety and tension caused by this situation.  Relying on the Motherly care of Our Lady, we unite our sufferings to those of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our healing and our hope.