Catholic Parents Of Unvaccinated Children May Be Exempt From Mass

TWIN CITIES, MN — Minnesota Catholics who care for children who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine may be exempted from the Sunday Mass obligation, even after it’s reinstated next month, an official with the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis confirmed.

Minnesota’s Catholic bishops announced earlier in June that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass each week will be reinstated for starting July 4.

The obligation had been dispensed since March 2020 as the gravity of the coronavirus pandemic became clear.

"Now, as the pandemic subsides, and public gathering restrictions and safety protocols are lifted, it is time to gather as the Body of Christ once again," the bishops wrote.

"Therefore, the bishops and diocesan administrators of the Minnesota Catholic Conference have decided to reinstate the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation beginning the weekend of July 3-4, 2021."

However, the bishops outlined seven exceptions to the obligation that will continue for Minnesota Catholics, if applicable.

"At least two of these apply to children under 11, and those caring for them," Rev. Dr. Tom Margevičius, the director for the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, told Patch in an email.

"Parents of children under 11 may reasonably determine that it is imprudent to bring such children to Mass at this time, and the parents (especially if they are unvaccinated) may stay at home for fear of transmitting the virus to their children."

Here are the seven exemptions:

1. You have reason to believe your health would be significantly compromised if you were
to contract a communicable illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a highrisk category).
2. You exhibit flu-like symptoms.
3. You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (e.g.,
you were in recent contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious illness such
as COVID-19 or influenza).
4. You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed.
5. You are pregnant or you are 65 years of age or older (per the CDC’s recommendation for
high-risk individuals).
6. You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered; you are
infirm; or, while wanting to go, you are prevented for some reason you cannot control,
such as your ride did not show up).
7. You have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.

"Parents should feel free to talk with their pastor if they want more personal counsel on the matter," Rev. Margevičius added.

Read the bishops' entire letter here.