On the subject of the dispensation from the Sunday obligation, I have been informed by Cardinal DiNardo that, in light of the continuing diminishment of the threat of Covid-19, said dispensation will end on January 2nd , Epiphany Sunday. Thus will the requirement to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation return. This means that to miss such a Mass without a serious and legitimate reason will be counted as a grave violation of the moral law. However, I must inform you that the law itself allows for legitimate absence for reasons such as illness (so as not to spread contagion), taking care of someone who cannot care for themselves, being homebound, or being truly fearful of or vulnerable to contracting serious illness. Therefore, those who have a real reason to miss Mass do not commit sin by doing so, even under normal circumstances. Such a person would still need to find a way to make holy the Lord’s Day. How they do so is left to their discretion.

Click here to see the announcement from the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston.