Memorandum

Cathedral Square Plaza OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

To: Priests,
From: Bishop Edward C. Malesic
Date: 29 October 2020
Prot.#: 638/2020
Re: COVID-19 Update

Dear Father,
During the past few weeks, I have been meeting with the Bishops of Ohio, diocesan staff, and members of the Presbyteral Council to discuss the upcoming Advent/Christmas seasons relative to planning and preparing for public celebrations in our churches. I offer the following recommendations that I gleaned from these meetings, as we will more than likely continue to operate under the pandemic restrictions currently in place.
1. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.
2. Communicate with your parishioners, through the website or parish bulletin, to ask them their intentions for attending Christmas Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
3. Adjust your Mass schedules according to the results of your consultation.
4. Be certain you continue to self-care and protect your own health.
5. Invite those who are choosing to stay home to participate in Christmas Mass via livestream either at your own parish or at the Cathedral Mass at 4:00 pm with the bishop.
6. Encourage your parishioners to go to the diocesan website special Christmas page to access family prayers and activities for the entire Christmas season.
7. Schedule a variety of times for confessions and avoid scheduling communal reconciliation services unless you are able to comply with social distancing and sanitizing protocols.
8. The Diocesan Evening of Confession will not take place in 2021 due to COVID-19.
9. Permission is granted to celebrate additional Masses on Christmas Day if necessary.
10. Permission is granted to schedule additional Christmas Eve vigil Masses beginning at 4pm. Please write if you have extenuating circumstances for consideration of an earlier start time.


I realize the pandemic has provided increased stress and tension, especially as we continue to approach the Advent/Christmas season. I urge you to be certain to take care of yourself and do your best as you creatively work to safely provide pastoral and sacramental care to your parishioners. Exercise, even if it is simply going out to the park for a walk, take time for prayer and spiritual direction, are all essential to remain healthy and to stay focused on the blessings of God. I appreciate your ongoing efforts to creatively, sensitively, and pastorally respond to the needs of the Church during these uncertain times. Please know you remain in my daily prayers. I certainly am grateful for your prayers for me.