Public masses to resume in Diocese of Bismarck on May 6

Public Masses will resume in Catholic parishes of the Diocese of Bismarck on Wednesday, May 6. Weekend Masses will begin according to a schedule determined by each parish pastor as of 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.

Celebration of public Mass was suspended six weeks ago on March 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions imposed on that date are not lifted entirely; some are modified to include social distancing parameters.

“In recent days, our governor has modified some of the restrictions placed upon us and listening carefully to him and in consultation with Bishop Folda of the Diocese of Fargo, I have decided to modify some of the directives previously in place,” said the Most Reverend David D. Kagan, Bishop of Bismarck. “In the interest of the safety of the Catholic faithful, I am not lifting all restrictions, but modifying some for the present. What I ask is your continued patience and cooperation for your own welfare and that of others.”

The dispensation from the obligation to attend and participate at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days remains in effect until further notice for all who may be hesitant to be in larger gatherings or those in the vulnerable population. Parishes will continue to provide the opportunity to view Masses online.

Note the following modified directives:

• Family households may sit together in one pew and all other persons must maintain social distancing, leaving every other pew empty.
• Communion will be offered in the form of the consecrated host only, received in the hand and distributed by clergy or instituted acolytes.
• The exchange of the sign of peace remains suspended.
• Directives for weddings, funerals and baptisms are modified as follows: immediate and extended family members may be present, but are to maintain social distancing. All other restrictions regarding these sacraments remain in place.
• The sacrament of reconciliation (penance) will remain available only behind a screen. Persons must maintain social distancing while waiting to celebrate the sacrament.

All other directives given on March 19 remain in effect until further notice. Those can be viewed at: bismarckdiocese.com/COVIDmessage.