Confessions

Guidance on Weather & Mass Attendance    

January 2016

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I offer the following guidance for those occasions when weather conditions might present a hazard walking or driving to church for Sunday Mass.

Catholics are not obliged to follow the precept to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation when weather conditions could make roads, sidewalks, and parking lots unsafe.  When judging whether travelling could be dangerous, one should use common sense and always err on the side of caution.

When unable to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, the faithful still are encouraged to observe the Day of the Lord (Sunday). A practical approach may be to read and reflect on the Gospel of the day and, if living with others, you may discuss ways the Gospel message can be lived out in your own household, the Domestic Church. You may also consider praying together the Responsorial Psalm of the Day.

Through this correspondance, it is my desire that parishioners of the Diocese of Metuchen may better understand their Mass obligation when weather events may lead to adverse travel conditions.

 Sincerely in the Lord,
+Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski
  Bishop of Metuchen