As we have discussed in the churches, the bishops in the state of Nebraska are lifting the "general dispensation" from the Sunday mass obligation. If you would like to see the exact wording, please feel free to stop by the churches and pick up a copy of the letter from Bishop Conley. This general dispensation will be lifted on Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd, 2021.
From the very beginning days of the Church, Christians have always understood that belief is not a private way of life. Believing in Jesus changes the way we live at all times; be it public or not. This includes the practice of the 3rd Commandment: "Keeping Holy the Sabbath Day." According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (the "go-to" authority on what Christians believe and do), the Church of Jesus Christ states:
CCC 2180: The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass. The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.
CCC 2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.
In summary, while the general dispensation is being lifted, if you still feel that the Church cannot safely distance, you may ask the pastor (Fr. Hall) for a particular dispensation. Just to note again, we have extra spaces in the choir lofts and separate rooms with glass. In short, we always have safe social distancing rooms.
However, if you are the most vulnerable (due to age, prior conditions, or are in care of someone who meets those requirements), then simply call Fr. Hall and you can discuss the particular dispensation for your household.
A good rule of thumb is how you live during the rest of the week.
Please know that I am very aware of the stress and strain of this year. There are so many conflicting ideas and opinions it is so hard to know the exact, perfect way to handle these situations. I ask we follow the advice of our Lord: "Peace be with you" (John 20:21). Know that God is stronger than all of this. As St. Paul states, "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later" (Romans 8:18). Give a call to the rectory and we can discuss any questions you have!
Praying daily for all of you my parishioners and all the souls in our area.
In Christ,
Fr. Hall