RI Bishop: 'It's Time To Come Back' To Sunday Mass

PROVIDENCE, RI — With Rhode Island's churches set to increase to 75 percent capacity next week, the bishop of the Diocese of Providence called for Catholics to return to weekly services.

Bishop Thomas Tobin pointed out that the timing of the lifted restrictions — March 19 — coincides with St. Joseph's Day.

"Our churches have been safe places to gather, and they are still," Tobin tweeted. "Our churches are open; it's time to come back, time to come home, especially for Sunday Mass."

Last March, Tobin issued a special dispensation for Rhode Island Catholics, which exempted them from the obligation to attend mass each week. That policy is still in place, and will remain until further notice, Tobin clarified.

"No decision on that yet," he said. "[We don't want to lift it] prematurely, until our priests and faithful are ready to do so with confidence, and without too many lingering restrictions."

Last year, Gov. Gina Raimondo urged Rhode Islanders to avoid large in-person Easter celebrationsand discouraged any drive-through palm distribution for Palm Sunday. Easter 2021 is just a few weeks away, and while Gov. Dan McKee has not yet released specific guidance for the holidays, restrictions are more than likely going to be far lighter than last year.