Dear brothers & sisters in Christ, 

I am happy to share with you that Bishop Ricken has lifted the dispensation for Sunday Mass obligation.  Beginning the weekend of August 14 & 15 - the Feast of the Assumption - all Catholics in the Diocese of Green Bay will again gather to worship and share in the Eucharist as a community of faith on Sundays.

“Since we are experiencing greater health in our communities and our parishes, after much discernment and consultation, I have decided to lift the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass effective on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven,” said Bishop Ricken. “Because we truly love God, and strive to be missionary disciples, we would want to spend time with Him, to worship, praise and adore Him. The Sunday Mass is the most complete way we can do this.”

Bishop Ricken would like to invite you to read his column on lifting the
dispensation to attend the Sunday Mass which appeared in the July 16 issue of The Compass.

Read Bishop Ricken's Column: The Greatest Gift Part 1

Occasions When Sunday Obligation Does Not Apply

Even with the reinstatement of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, it is important to note there are occasions when the obligation does not apply:

• If individual Catholics struggle with serious health concerns or are physically or morally prevented from worshipping at Mass for a serious reason
• If individuals are frail due to illness or age or, in their well-formed conscience believe that going into public places -- including Sunday worship at Mass -- would place their health or the health of their loved ones in serious jeopardy
• If individuals are sick, or have been in contact with someone who has been sick
• If there is severe weather

The faithful who are unable to attend Mass should follow the third Commandment “To Keep Holy the Lord’s Day” by spending time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, and taking part in acts of charity from home.

The obligation to attend Mass for Catholics reflects our faith in Jesus Christ, the blessing of the Holy Eucharist and an acknowledgment of His great love for us. Our longing for the grace we receive in the Eucharist can be fulfilled in no other manner.  I look forward to joining together again as a full community of faith to Encounter Jesus in the Eucharist so that we may Live Out the Joy of the Gospel, and Bring Others to Christ.

Peace, 
Fr. Jerry Pastors

As we continue welcoming our parish families back to Mass, on Sunday, August 15, following our 10:30 Mass, we will hold a Eucharistic Procession at our St. Mary site in honor of the Feast of the Assumption.



We will process around the St. Mary block, stopping at Marian Manor for prayer and hymns. We will conclude with a cookout in the parking lot and lower church at St. Mary Church. All are welcome to join us!

Pray with our parish during live-streamed Mass on our Most Blessed Sacrament public YouTube channel.

 Click here for Live Stream