Weekly Mass inside Catholic churches will return soon for Catholics in Ohio, including Cincinnati, as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are lifted across the state.
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati released a statement Friday saying that the Catholic Conference Bishops of Ohio have decided to reinstate the obligation beginning the weekend of June 5-6. Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr also removed the dispensation for Sunday and Holy Day Masses.
What COVID-19 restrictions are still in place in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana?
When you go, you will not be required to wear a mask in churches across the 20-county archdiocese, officials said in a news release. The change is in line Gov. Mike DeWine's announcement Wednesday to lift masking restrictions across the state beginning June 2.
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The bishops said pastors may offer "at least one section of socially distanced seating" in one Sunday Mass for parishioners who prefer that and make it known to the parish when and where the seating will be available.
The bishops reminded church members that, as always, those who have a serious reason (for example, an illness or other significant health risk factors) are still exempt, the bishops' statement says.
"Masses that are broadcast through various media are not intended as a substitute nor do they fulfill the obligation for the persons who are able to gather for a Sunday celebration and other Holy Days of Obligation," the statement reminds.
The archdiocese was formed in 1821 as the Diocese of Cincinnati; it was raised to an archdiocese in 1850 by Pope Piux IX.
Over in the Diocese of Covington, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass was most recently extended on April 12. Diocese officials couldn't be immediately reached for comment Friday on whether the dispensation is being rethought.
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