Bishop Stowe Ends Mask Requirement for Mass & other Liturgical Celebrations
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March 3, 2022
Bishop Stowe Ends the Mask Requirement for Mass and other Liturgical Celebrations. With the latest directives regarding masking from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the CDC, it is now appropriate to allow for optional masking and site-based decision making about when it might be necessary to require masks because of local conditions. The Bishop continues to urge all Catholics to be mindful of our immuno-compromised members, who are encouraged to remain masked and who remain dispensed from the obligation to attend mass if necessary.
Pastors and Parish Life Directors are encouraged to create zones for those who will remain masked and prefer social distancing in their churches wherever it is possible to do so. We again encourage all eligible individuals to be vaccinated and boosted for their own well-being and in service of the common good. Please see https://cdlex.org/diocese-of-lexington-epidemic-response/ for the complete guidance related to the Mass and other Liturgical Celebrations).
In addition, the use of masks will be optional for those at gatherings and meetings that take place on parish grounds (see https://cdlex.org/diocese-of-lexington-epidemic-response/ for the complete guidance related to gatherings and meetings).
This relaxation of restrictions does not indicate the end of the pandemic. We will continue to be attentive to all developments of the virus and its spread and will act accordingly. Let us continue to pray for those who have lost lives, lost loved ones, and for our health care workers who have sacrificed so much for our well-being. May God grant us health and healing.