An announcement of the New Jersey Bishops reinstating the general obligation to attend Mass
At this time, due to the observance of public safety protocols and the increase in the availability of vaccines, we have begun a return to some sense of normalcy in various sectors of our society.
Therefore, we the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, are lifting the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation beginning on Saturday, June 5, 2021, and Sunday, June 6, 2021, Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. We welcome the Christian faithful to return to the regular participation in the Sunday Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith (cf. Code of Canon Law canon 1247 and Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2180).
This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus or another serious or contagious illness; those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions. One should consult the local pastor if questions arise about the obligation to attend Mass (canon 87).
Finally, safety protocols (such as wearing masks, social distancing, etc.) and liturgical directives in each New Jersey Diocese remains in place until modified or revoked by the respective Diocesan Bishop.
Given on May 20, 2021, the memorial of St. Bernardine of Siena.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., Bishop, Diocese of Trenton
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, Bishop, Diocese of Camden
Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, Bishop, Diocese of Paterson
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen
Most Reverend Kurt Burnette, Bishop, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic
Most Reverend Yousif B. Habash, Bishop, Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese
Please note that - as has always been the case - the obligation to attend Sunday and holyday Mass is predicated on balancing well-being and worship. I use "well-being" instead of "health" because there is more involved. More than an obligation, attendance to give praise and thanksgiving to God is actually (get ready for it!) something we should look forward to doing. When we come together to worship, we are lifting up our voices in community to God. Although private prayer is good and praiseworthy, it is important to remember the words of Jesus: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20). Community completes the worship started by the individual and it is a two-way transaction: together we give worship to God and together we receive grace and blessings from God. When we come together, we discover that - in our shared humanity - we all experience the same trials, joys, challenges and accomplishments and offer them up in common. An obligation, yes, but a sweet obligation!
To add a bit more information pertaining to Visitation:
- We will continue to offer outdoor Communion after the 9AM Sunday Mass until directed otherwise by the Bishop
- We will also continue live-stream the 9AM Sunday Mass and weekday Masses. Some form of this live-streaming will very likely continue long after the pandemic has subsided due to its clear benefit for those who physically cannot make it to Mass in-person as noted in the bishops' letter above
- Advanced reservations - "Requested but not required" - will continue for a while longer
- Facemask and social distancing requirements will continue to be followed until directed otherwise
- On Sunday June 7th - the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ - we will (weather permitting) have outdoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament around the church building immediately following the 11AM Mass. We invite and encourage all to join us in this most holy witness of our faith
A review of our Mass and sacramental schedule for this weekend:
Saturday 5/22 PENTECOST
Confessions 3-3:45PM in the Rectory Chapel
4PM Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards)
Sunday 5/23
9AM - Mass Live streamed WITH a congregation. Outdoor Communion will be available afterwards and radio reception available in the parking lot at 107.7FM. Please note that outdoor Communion will end promptly at 10:15. Plan accordingly
11AM - Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards) PLEASE NOTE: While making a reservation is not required, we are encouraging people to do so; this way you can be assured of having a seat. We have noticed that in-church attendance is steadily increasing and, in anticipation that we may reach capacity at weekend Masses, we have prepared the Church Hall for social distancing and live-streaming the Mass from upstairs. When needed, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will bring the Blessed Sacrament so that people in the Church Hall can receive Communion during Mass.
Those without Internet access (and please let your friends and neighbors know!) can call 732-475-0048
Sunday 9AM Live-stream Mass
Not yet ready to return to the church building?
WE UNDERSTAND and will continue to offer live streamed Mass on Sundays at 9AM with outdoor Communion available in the church parking lot. See this weekend's Mass on YouTube at