PORTLAND — Effective Father’s Day weekend, June 19-20, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has lifted the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation throughout the state of Maine.
Issued because of the pandemic, the dispensation has been in place for Maine Catholics since March 18, 2020.
In addition to the Diocese of Portland, the Archdiocese of Boston, Diocese of Fall River, Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts, and the Diocese of Manchester in New Hampshire, will also be lifting the dispensation that weekend.
“The obligation to attend Mass reflects the character of who we are as Catholics. There is no greater form of prayer as we praise God for his many blessings and strengthen one another in faith and hope,” said Bishop Robert Deeley, according to a news release from the diocese.
As is always the case, the obligation does not apply to those who have serious reasons for not attending Mass such as individuals who are seriously ill, caring for an ill person, being homebound, suffering from a compromised health condition, or otherwise unable to attend Mass in person. Livestreamed Masses will also continue to be offered at Maine parishes.
Individuals with questions about any specific needs or concerns are advised to contact their parish. Pastors, who have the authority to dispense in individual cases, can be helpful in addressing individual fears and concerns.
The diocese has been guided by experts, local and national agencies, and science in making decisions throughout the pandemic.
To view updated Mass times as well as church addresses throughout Maine, visit portlanddiocese.org.
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