Extending dispensation through August 3rd

June 24, 2020

My Dear People of God,
At the outset, allow me to express my appreciation for the willing spirit, faithfulness, and concern for neighbor that you have shown as our world has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our civic leaders and public health officials have indicated that we are making significant progress against the disease and no doubt, the sacrifices that we have made in the public practice of the faith are part of that progress.

In recent weeks we have enjoyed the measured and incremental resumption of the public celebration of Mass across the Diocese of Nashville. Still, we remain far from the “normal” to which we were all accustomed.   

As you may remember, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Masses and the cancellation of non-liturgical gatherings are currently effective through June 30.  To encourage everyone to continue to exercise prudent care over their health and wellbeing and charity towards others, I am extending the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days through August 3.  

Even as public Masses have resumed, I encourage those who are vulnerable, sick, or otherwise at risk or concerned about contracting or spreading disease, to refrain from attending Mass.  Those who do choose to return to Mass should observe all guidelines concerning social distancing and diligent hygiene.  We will be continuing to provide resources for growth in your life of Faith, and opportunities to watch celebrations of Mass online.  Attending Mass on a weekday can also be a good way to participate in public worship in a smaller and more socially distanced setting. 

In concert with phased civic regulations that are currently expanding access to a variety of different types of gatherings, pastors may now resume non-liturgical events as they deem appropriate for their communities, with due regard for specific guidelines concerning occupancy restrictions and social distancing indicated by the civic authorities. I ask that parishes continue their practices of hand hygiene, the use of masks, and other modifications of the liturgy which are in place to minimize risk.  If maintaining social distancing is possible, pastors may consider beginning to expand attendance at Masses beyond the previous 50% capacity restriction.

As I have assured you throughout this time, please know of my sincere love and concern for all of you and your families.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Let us pray together that this time of renewed optimism for an end to this time of crisis may soon be brought to fulfillment by the power of God’s loving care and providence.
Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend J. Mark Spalding, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Nashville

Letters from the Bishop Archive >

Monday and Tuesday:
7:00 – 7:45 am Adoration and Confession
8:00 am Mass
 
Wednesday – Saturday
7:00 – 7:45 am Adoration and Confession
8:00 Mass
4:00 pm Church doors open
5:00 pm Mass
 
Sunday
7:15 – 7:45 Confession
8:00 Mass
9:45 – 10:15 Confession
10:30 Mass

We are allowed to be at 50% capacity so every other pew will be open. Cry rooms will be locked and not available for use. If you bring young children to Mass, please keep them with you 100% of the time.

In the available pews, we still have to social distance so we will have blue tape on the tops of the pews designating where you may sit; one household per each 6 feet of blue tape. So if one person comes alone, they will occupy the entire 6 feet of tape. If a family of 4 arrives and they can fit in the 6 feet of tape, they may sit together. With all the social distancing requirements, we will only be able to occupy the church at 25% of its full occupancy.

All those attending Mass must have a mask. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you can’t obtain a mask, please make one; a bandana would work also. The bishop has issued a statement to the lay faithful of the diocese. You can read it here: Click Here to Read

Bishop Spalding is very concerned that we remain vigilant in not spreading the virus. As such, he is urging all people in frail health, over 65, or immune-compromised to continue to stay at home during this phase of re-opening.

HOW TO MAKE A SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

Saints often made an act of spiritual communion when they couldn’t receive the Eucharist at Mass.

For various reasons we may be prevented from receiving the Eucharist at Mass. We may have broken the one hour fast, be in a state of mortal sin, or we could even be homebound, unable to leave our home to attend Mass.

In these cases the Church encourages us to make an act of “spiritual communion,” where we unite ourselves to God through prayer. It is a beautiful way to express to God our desire to be united with him when we are unable to complete that union in the reception of Holy Communion.

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Explained to Catalina by Jesus and Mary

Catalina Rivas of Cochabamba, Bolivia, who now dwells in Mérida, Yucatán, México. She is said to receive Messages from Jesus, Mary, and the angels. She has the approval of her Bishop, René Fernández Apaza, who has given his imprimatur to her Messages. The following text is the reproduction of booklet, “The Holy Mass,” in which Our Lord and Our Lady explain to Catalina what is really going on during the Mass in the spiritual realm, and how we should be more concentrated on the great mysteries that are taking place.

Bo. Daniel Gagnon, OMI, of the Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith of the Archdiocese of Mexico, wrote about this book: “I do not find anything against the faith or the customs of the Church. It is not my function to confirm its supernatural character; nevertheless, I recommend it for its spiritual inspiration.”

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