Several U.S. bishops and dioceses this week announced a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation for Catholics who are unable to drive safely the weekend of Jan. 22-23 due to the impending snowstorm.
Bishop Anthony Taylor of Little Rock, Arkansas, encouraged families who have to stay home to honor the day of rest by praying together in some way.
“In view of the dangerous storm forecast for this weekend, let me remind you that no one is obligated to attend Mass when it is too dangerous to do so. In such cases the Sunday Mass obligation is lifted automatically,” he said. “Those who are unable to attend Mass safely — whether due to a storm, or any other reason — should find another way to honor the sabbath, perhaps praying a family rosary or watching Mass on TV or praying the Liturgy of the Hours.”
Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency Jan. 22 in anticipation of the winter storm, which is expected to produce snow, freezing temperatures, and icy road conditions.
Farther northeast, some Pennsylvania bishops issued statements similar to Bishop Taylor’s.
“As I write this letter the potential of a significant storm is highly probable,” Bishop Timothy Senior of the Diocese of Harrisburg wrote Jan. 22. “Please know of my utmost concern for your safety. While the faithful are obliged to attend Holy Mass on Sundays and Holy days, the obligation presumes a person’s ability to reasonably fulfill it.”
If state or local authorities declare a snow emergency or if road conditions are unsafe, “the obligation to attend Mass is clearly not in force,” he said. He encouraged Catholics to watch Mass online and pray at home.
In the nearby diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop Mark Eckman issued a dispensation from Mass Jan. 23.
“Local meteorologists are warning that this could be one of the most significant snow events in recent years, with hazardous roads and bitter cold expected through Monday,” the diocesan announcement stated.
Due to this forecast, the diocese urged safety first in traveling this weekend and recommended that the faithful who can safely attend a Saturday Vigil Mass consider doing so.
Additionally, Bishop Eckman “encourages the faithful to look out for neighbors during the storm, particularly the elderly, those who live alone, and anyone who may need assistance,” the statement added.
Bishop Larry Kulick of Greensburg also granted a dispensation for this weekend.
According to ABC27’s WHTM, Bishop Alfred Schlert of the Diocese of Allentown issued a statement advising the faithful to exercise prudence and safety as the storm hits.
“While participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is central to our Catholic faith, the Church also recognizes that the preservation of life and safety is of paramount importance,” he said.
The Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, issued a statement noting that the winter storm “is predicted to be severe” and that Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger has declared a state of emergency starting Jan. 24. If the faithful cannot safely travel to Mass due to the storm, they are dispensed from the obligation to attend Jan. 25, the statement noted.
In the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Archbishop William Lori did not formally lift the Sunday obligation to go to Mass, according to The Catholic Review. Pastors received a message from the archdiocesan communications department informing them that it is up to each pastor whether or not to hold Sunday Masses, “based on their best judgment and knowledge of anticipated snowfall and local road conditions,” the outlet reported.
The message encouraged pastors to notify parishioners of their decision via email, social media, and their parish websites, according to The Catholic Review. Archbishop Lori also encouraged them to hold extra Vigil Masses on Saturday.
The sweeping winter storm is also expected to hit Kentucky. The Archdiocese of Louisville states on its website that it is unnecessary for the archdiocese “to grant a special dispensation, as Catholics are not obligated to attend Mass if the roads and weather conditions are unsafe.”
Similar to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, individual parishes in Louisville will determine whether or not to cancel Masses.
Several hours south of Kentucky, in the diocese of Nashville, Tennessee, the faithful were also given a reminder Jan. 22 of the automatic lifting of their Sunday Mass obligation if roads are treacherous.
According to the Weather Channel, the winter storm is expected to affect more than 230 million people and hit 34 states with ice or snow or both.
Editor’s note: Readers who wish to check whether their local diocese has issued a statement on the snowstorm are encouraged to check official diocesan websites and social media accounts.