In normal times, Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.  If we fail to do so without a good reason, we risk committing a mortal sin.  The responsibility for a gravely evil action can be reduced if there's a lack of knowledge or lack of freedom of will.

     We are not in normal times.  We're in a pandemic.  So, Bishop O'Connell has dispensed us from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.  He has stated that this will remain in effect at least through Christmas.  But how long after that?  It's hard to tell.

     Bishop O'Connell has recently written about the obligation to participate in Mass.  His article includes some theology, canon law, and common sense.  He does a wonderful job of addressing the topic.  Click on the link below to read his article.

"Keep Holy the Lord's Day" by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M.

     We're getting over one-third our normal number of people attending Sunday Mass.  I invite everyone to be prudent.  That is, consider all the factors to discern whether or not to attend Sunday Mass.  Pray for the Lord's guidance.  Pay attention to the changing situation.

     Daily, I check OCHD.org and CovidActNow.org.  Recently, I've started to look at Worldometer.  While the USA has the highest number of cases and deaths, you can sort by other columns.  For example, when you sort by total cases per 1 million population, you'll see that the USA ranks 12th.  I also read some articles that give interpretations of the numbers and try to make predictions.  It seems that cases are increasing in the USA right now and could peak in December.

     When I look at the local numbers for Ocean County, I see that we have slow growth in Lakehurst and Manchester.  Jackson and Toms River have faster growth.  Lakewood has much faster growth.  Berkeley Township has been slowly gaining on Manchester over the last month or two.

     When I look at NJ, I see more than slow growth.  Other parts of our country have fast growth.  Some hospitals are full.  My sister gives me updates on Monmouth Medical South case numbers.  Back in August, they didn't have any cases.  Lately, they've been between 19 and 25.  She doesn't know the current number because she's on vacation.

     Well, I could go on about what I'm learning.  What I really want to convey is that we need to remain vigilant in being careful.  We can do many things.  But we need to be mindful of how the coronavirus operates.  Wearing a mask and keeping six feet away from people helps.

Formed.org     

God love you,

Fr. Jim