As the faithful return to their parishes for Christmas Masses next weekend, the Diocese of Sioux City would like to print reminders of the latest COVID-19 protocols for the safety of all.
Additionally, Bishop Walker Nickless announced Dec. 10 the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation remains in effect into the year 2021 until further notice.
Please note that most parishes require an on-line sign-up and/or contacting the parish office prior to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses for both COVID-19 contact tracing and also due to limited seating. (See protocols below.) Some parishes are issuing tickets for Christmas Masses. Please check with your local parish offices or websites for guidelines prior to Dec. 24 and 25.
COVID-19 liturgical protocols:
December 2020
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation remains in effect into the year 2021 until further notice.
This has been agreed upon by the bishops of the four Iowa dioceses, including our Metropolitan, Archbishop Jackels. The rationale behind this decision is based upon the decreased capacity of our churches due to the COVID-19 protocols.
The bishops are in agreement that an obligation that cannot be fulfilled (due to reduced church capacity) should not be imposed.
La dispensación de la obligación de asistir a la Misa Dominical y a los Días Santos de Obligación sigue vigente en el año 2021 hasta nuevo aviso. Esto ha sido acordado por los obispos de las cuatro diócesis de Iowa, incluyendo nuestro el Arzobispo Metropolitano, Michael O. Jackels. El razonamiento de esta decisión se basa en la disminución de la capacidad de nuestras iglesias debido a los protocolos COVID-19. Los obispos están de acuerdo en que no se debe imponer una obligación que no pueda cumplirse (debido a la reducción de la capacidad de la iglesia).
Nov. 12, 2020
With distancing and masks the following live events are approved
Important reminder:
Liturgy duration should not exceed 30 minutes when at all possible.
Mandatos del Grupo de Trabajo COVID-19 y el obispo Walker Nickless-12 de noviembre del 2020