Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
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Recent video updates -
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Updated COVID-19 Mass Restrictions
COVID-19 Liturgy Update, March 25, 2022
As of March 25, 2022, all previous diocesan liturgical COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, except for the suspension of the distribution of the Precious Blood from a common chalice, which will remain in place until further notice. Bread and wine will again be processed during the Preparation of the Gifts and not already on the credence table, however, it is not permitted to have parishioners place unconsecrated hosts in the ciborium before Mass in the gathering space or narthex.
Updated COVID-19 Mass Restrictions
Recently, the CDC and the State of Indiana have updated guidelines regarding COVID-19 protocols (masks, social distancing and cleaning). That, in conjunction with the increased availability and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccines have caused us to review our own diocesan guidelines and the decree issued by Bishop Doherty on March 17, 2020.
Beginning Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 8 a.m. Bishop Doherty has decided that the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (including the Saturday/Vigil Mass) is to be reinstated (CIC, can. 1247). Effective immediately, he is further lifting any and all restrictions from the original COVID-19 decree of March 17, 2020 and its extensions from May 8, 2020 and June 26, 2020. Pastors, in conjunction with their leadership teams, pastoral council and guidance of local health officials, will make pastoral decisions regarding masks, social distancing and cleaning protocols.
In charity, we must recall those who cannot be vaccinated and those who still fear the possible transmission of the COVID-19 virus to vulnerable family members. We recommend each pastor provide one weekend Mass that keeps full protocols in place, or some similar accommodations.
Click here to read the full text including the list of expectations for the continued health and safety of our parishioners:
Updated COVID-19 Mass Restrictions
Spanish TranslationThe celebration of the Eucharist at Mass is the source and summit of our life and mission as Catholics.
As of March 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Roman Catholics throughout the entire Province of Indianapolis, which comprises all five dioceses of Indiana, have been dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. However, with the decrease of cases in our state, the widespread availability of vaccines and following the guidance of public health officials, we are now able to safely accommodate more parishioners for Masses. Therefore, effective June 11, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass is hereby lifted throughout the state of Indiana.
Except for the unique situations as described below, those who are otherwise healthy are obliged to return to Sunday Mass by the weekend of June 12-13, 2021:
- Those who are seriously ill, exhibit flu-like symptoms and/or may have a contagious disease (including quarantine due to exposure).
- Those who are unable to attend Mass through no fault of their own (e.g. transportation issue).
- Those who are homebound and/or incapacitated due to age, infirmity and/or medical restrictions.
- Those who have compromised health conditions and/or at high risk of contracting the virus.
- Those who are caretakers of person who are sick or of persons at high-risk of serious illness if they contract Covid virus.
If you have any questions about any specific needs, concerns or protocols, you are advised to contact your parish directly. Your pastor, who has the authority to dispense in individual cases, may be helpful in addressing individual fears and concerns.
The obligation to attend Mass is a joyful one, reflecting the very character of who we are as Catholics.
Phase D guidelines (from June 26, 2020) will continue to be followed in our pastorates until further recommendations have been issued.
Statement Regarding Lifting of the Dispensation from the Obligation of Mass, Effective 11 June 2021
Spanish TranslationDecember 14, 2020
WASHINGTON– On December 14, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Doctrine, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement on the new COVID-19 vaccines. In their statement, the bishops address the moral concerns raised by the fact that the three vaccines that appear to be ready for distribution in the United States all have some connection to cell lines that originated with tissue taken from abortions.
With regard to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, they concluded:
“In view of the gravity of the current pandemic and the lack of availability of alternative vaccines, the reasons to accept the new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are sufficiently serious to justify their use, despite their remote connection to morally compromised cell lines.
“Receiving one of the COVID-19 vaccines ought to be understood as an act of charity toward the other members of our community. In this way, being vaccinated safely against COVID-19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good.”
With regard to the AstraZeneca vaccine, the bishops found it to be “more morally compromised” and consequently concluded that this vaccine “should be avoided” if there are alternatives available. “It may turn out, however, that one does not really have a choice of vaccine, at least, not without a lengthy delay in immunization that may have serious consequences for one’s health and the health of others,” the bishop chairmen stated. “In such a case … it would be permissible to accept the AstraZeneca vaccine.”
At the same time, the bishops also warned that Catholics “must be on guard so that the new COVID-19 vaccines do not desensitize us or weaken our determination to oppose the evil of abortion itself and the subsequent use of fetal cells in research.”
The full statement from the bishop chairmen may be found here.Province of Indianapolis - Statement on Extension of Dispensation
This week, the Bishops across all five Indiana dioceses have extended the dispensation from the obligation of in-person Sunday Mass attendance until further notice. In a joint statement, the bishops of the Province of Indianapolis announced that the dispensation was extended from the previously set day of November 1, because of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Indiana. The group released the following statement:
While commending our pastors and pastoral life coordinators who have gone to great lengths to assure safe worship spaces in our churches, given the continued increase of COVID-19 cases in our state, the Indiana bishops hereby extend the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation beyond 1 November 2020 until further notice. The Indiana bishops will continue to monitor the situation to determine when it might be advisable to modify or lift the dispensation.
Bishop Doherty continues to express his confidence in our parish practices and procedures to keep our parishioners safe. “Our parishes continue to practice social distancing, sanitization processes and follow thorough safety protocols to keep the celebration of public Mass as safe as possible for our clergy and parishioners,” said Bishop Doherty.
... Keep reading at the links below:
Province of Indianapolis - Statement on Extension of Dispensation
Spanish TranslationExtension of the Dispensation from the Obligation of Sunday Mass Attendance
August 3, 2020
Today, the Bishops across all five Indiana dioceses have extended the dispensation from the obligation of Sunday Mass attendance until Nov. 1, 2020. In a joint statement, the bishops of the Province of Indianapolis announced that the dispensation was extended from a previously set day of August 15, because of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Indiana.
The group released the following statement:
“While commending our pastors and pastoral life coordinators who have gone to great lengths to assure safe worship spaces in our churches, due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in our state, the Indiana bishops have decided to extend the dispensation from the obligations of Sunday Mass attendance beyond August 15 until November 1, 2020, unless further developments determine otherwise.”
In the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana our diocesan and parish staffs have gone to great lengths to implement policies and procedures to ensure safe worship spaces.
Bishop Timothy Doherty explained that he was confident local parishes would continue to practice social distancing and safety protocols so that public Mass and the sharing of the spiritual gifts of the Church may continue.
“To be dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not mean people should stay away from Church or fail to keep holy the Lord’s Day. We continue to invite each of you to prayerfully consider attending Mass with your parish family. In this way you may more fully experience the gift that Jesus gives us in the Eucharist and the life of grace.”
As you consider your ability to attend Mass, please keep the following 6 guidelines in mind which should influence your decision-making process:
- You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered, you are infirmed, or, while wanting to go, you are prevented for some reason you cannot control {e.g., your ride did not show up, the church was at capacity}).
- You are seriously ill, or if not seriously ill, your health condition will be compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high- risk category) for as long as this endures. Use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
- You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (e.g., you were in recent contact with one who contracted a contagion). Use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
- You exhibit flu-like symptoms. Use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
- You are overcome by anxiety and fear of becoming ill by being at Mass, such that you will not be able to participate in the Mass in a full and active manner; you should rather speak with your pastor about this anxiety.
- You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed.
The diocese encourages those who have been away to contact their local parish to learn of the various protocols that have been put in place for their safety.
Statement on the Extension of the Dispensation from the Obligation of Sunday Mass Attendance, August 3, 2020
Declaración del Obispo, Agosto 3, 2020Bishop Doherty's Revised COVID-19 Decree for Phase D, June 26, 2020
A revised Returning to Worship Decree and General Guidelines for Phase D from Bishop Doherty was released on June 26, 2020.
Click here to read the full text: Revised COVID-19 Decree Phase D, June 26, 2020
Spanish transaltion: Revisado COVID-19 Decreto Fase DBishop Doherty's Revised COVID-19 Decree, June 4, 2020
A revised Returning to Worship Decree and General Guidelines from Bishop Doherty was released on June 4, 2020. The updates to this document have been made in purple for easier reference.
Click here to read the full text: Revised COVID-19 Decree, June 4, 2020
Spanish translation: Revisado COVID-19 DecretoBishop Doherty's Letter on Returning to Worship
Dear Members of Our Diocesan Catholic Faithful,
While our return to public worship will be limited this Pentecost Sunday, I am warmed by the thought of gathering again for worship in our own pews. As you already know, our reopening is going to be gradual and informed by interest in the public health and the common good.
Parish leaders have received the guidelines for reopening, and these have been published online. Guidelines among dioceses are similar, but each differs in specifics. I request that we can act in supportive and prayerful solidarity, even when opinions differ on the best way to proceed.
Our reopening does not mean an immediate return of all of our worship, sacramental, and social practices. Items basic to our advisories are:
- Anyone who has fever symptoms should stay home
- Communion in the hand is what we are asking out of charity for our extraordinary ministers, the next people in procession, and our clergy
- Necessary social distancing between people of different households means that numbers admitted for a single Mass may be limited
- An expectation that worshippers will wear face masks
- Mass will be briefer
- People will not congregate before or after Mass inside or outside church
The precautions that we exercise are not expressions of fearfulness, but of love of neighbor and care for the vulnerable. It is understood that churches will take care to observe a standard of cleanness, but are not able to provide a sterile environment.
The dispensation from the obligation to participate in Sunday worship applies to everyone until August 15. In any case, illness automatically dispenses a person from this obligation. Livestreaming of Masses will continue.
... Keep reading at the links below:
Bishop Doherty's Letter on Returning to Worship, May 29, 2020
Spanish TranslationBishop Doherty's COVID-19 Decree, May 8, 2020
A Decree from Bishop Doherty with details and guidelines for returning to worship was issued on May 8, 2020.
Click here to read the full text: COVID-19 Decree, May 8, 2020
Spanish translation: COVID-19 DecretoBishop’s Announcement about Resumption of Liturgies, May 6, 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we continue in this Easter Season, may the radiance of our Risen Christ bless you in faith,
hope and charity.
The Catholic bishops of Indiana announced today, May 6, that across the state we will begin resuming public liturgies by May 30, the Vigil of Pentecost. There will be limitations based on public health information and on the need for planning for an orderly restart. Each diocese will have its particular rules published as they apply to needs and circumstances in that diocese, and ours should be public in the next couple of days.
We are grateful for our governor’s statements and his presentation of stages for relaxing social distancing. We are mindful of the state’s guidelines. Worship and ministry present unique challenges, and out of great care for health and safety of our churches and our civic communities, we will have our own timelines. We estimate that there are about 130,000 Catholics across our 24 Indiana counties, and it takes a lot of planning to direct that amount of traffic.
All of us have a deep desire for open church buildings, daily public Mass, and the availability of Confession. However, this announcement and our initial efforts aim at reestablishing public Saturday-Sunday worship. These Masses will fulfill requirements of social distancing and the need for face masks, hand sanitizers, and adequate cleaning of worship spaces between Masses.
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass automatically is given to anyone who is sick. And of course, you should not come to church if you have an illness. The dispensation is extended until August 15 this year.
... Keep reading at the links below:
Bishop’s Announcement about Resumption of Liturgies, May 6, 2020
Anuncio del Obispo sobre la Reanudación de las Liturgias, 6 de Mayo de 2020Indiana’s Catholic Bishops Statement for the gradual resumption of public liturgies
The five Catholic dioceses of the Province of Indianapolis will begin resuming public liturgies (e.g. Mass and Sacraments) by 30 May 2020, the Vigil of Pentecost, with restrictions outlined by each diocese and provided to the parishes within their respective jurisdictions. The dispensation from the obligation to participate at Mass on Sundays is extended throughout the State of Indiana until 15 August 2020.
Aviso sobre los Obispos Católicos de Indiana para la reanudación gradual de las liturgias públicas
Las cinco diócesis Católicas de la Provincia de Indianápolis resumirán las liturgias públicas (e.g. Misas y Sacramentos) para el 30 de Mayo del 2020, la Vigilia de Pentecostés, con restricciones delineadas por cada diócesis y proporcionado a las parroquias dentro de sus respectivas jurisdicciones. La dispensación de la obligación de ir a la misa dominical está extendida en todo el Estado de Indiana hasta el 15 de Agosto del 2020.
Indiana’s Catholic Bishops Statement for the gradual resumption of public liturgies (English and Spanish)Bishop's Uniting in Heart Update Amid COVID-19, April 27, 2020Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We think deeply about our Church these days. The distancing and the sheltering (or lack of it) raise thoughts about the Church as an institution. Let’s remind ourselves that we did not make the institution, but that the Holy Spirit made and remakes it, the Church.
Austen Ivereigh sent Pope Francis some questions which he responded to in late March. The Pope reminds his interviewer that the pandemic is not the sole source of disorder. In the life of the Church, the Holy Spirit provokes disorder by a rich scattering of charisms, and then out of that disorder orchestrates a harmony. In these days, we should wonder what the Spirit is trying to shake out, to prune away, so that in days to come we can first perceive, then act upon those divine impulses. The same Spirit prompts us to wonder who God wants us to be, so that we can wonder what our Church’s mission requires of us. These sentiments should shape our plans for re-emerging from the disruption and suffering during this pandemic.
And plan we must, both for the sake of order as well as charity. Each day brings new information, further consultation and more recommendations. As I mentioned in my last letter, I know people are hungry to get back into church. The decisions that I will make about Masses and sacraments are complex and I am thankful for your continued patience. I’m regularly consulting with the Indiana Catholic bishops, attending to federal and local state (Indiana) pronouncements, and weighing the advice of healthcare officials.
Our main concern remains the pastoral care for souls in our diocese. After consultation, we have decided to postpone our original Uniting in Heart clergy transfer date that was scheduled for June 29, 2020. We don’t know what the next few weeks will bring but I would like to try to provide an opportunity for your parish families to see one another again, to celebrate the sacraments together and to have a proper send-off before our changes. With this in mind, Wednesday, August 19, 2020 will be the ‘moving day.’ Our retiring pastors have agreed to keep working until then. After this, they will be able to help periodically with supply work, while not assuming an official or unofficial status as an adjunct to any single pastorate.
... Keep reading at the links below:
Bishop's Uniting in Heart Update Amid COVID-19, April 27, 2020
Actualización del Obispo de UiH en medio de COVID-19, 27 de Abril de 2020Bishop's Message to the People, April 20, 2020Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We are facing difficult times. I understand some of what you’re each going through. For example, I haven’t been able to visit with my own mother since Christmas and her building has been on lockdown for the last month. Each time I speak to a new person, clergy member, or business employer, I hear about the daunting circumstances that so many experience.
People hunger to get back into church. Decisions about Masses and sacraments are complex. I ask for your continued patience. I’m regularly consulting with the bishops across our state, attending to federal and local state (Indiana) pronouncements and weighing the advice of healthcare officials. My main concern is for the pastoral care for souls in our diocese.
Each bishop has his own geographical jurisdiction and I must make decisions that I think are best for our diocese. I hear from many groups, organizations and individuals advising as to how I should handle things. Through consultation with my own advisory committees I will do what is best for us. Things that work well within one family don’t work for every other. The same is true from diocese to diocese.
... Keep reading at the links below:
Bishop's Message to the People, April 20, 2020
Mensaje del Obispo, 20 de Abril de 2020Bishop's Message to the Public, March 27, 2020Dear Parish and Community Members,
These days bring news that requires our prayerful flexibility. We are experiencing events unknown to us before. But, if we take sacrificial short-term measures, long-term beneficial outcomes will start sooner. Know that I have consulted with the Indiana Catholic Bishops and my Presbyteral Council (PC) this week. I have consulted my own staff about liturgical options and recent communications from Vatican offices. Later in this letter, I will revise the directives on Sacraments that were included in our communications from March 17. It goes without saying that the directives with the most recent dates are the ones to be followed.
We are still early in this contagion and not certain about all the ways that COVID-19 is transmitted. As such, I am asking that our churches and chapels remain locked to visitors. The whole business of adequately disinfecting pews, door handles, and restrooms on a regular basis (which would have to be mandatory, assuming it is effective) would become more problematic as days and weeks wear on. We are still early in the public health efforts and today is only the third day of the stay-in-place two-week order. This week, Dr. Kristina Box, Indiana State Health Commissioner, said that epidemiologists are predicting that the peak of the crisis in Indiana will arrive in mid-April in regions of the state already surging in cases, and the peak may arrive in the first two weeks in May for parts of our state that are just beginning to see a surge in cases.
... Keep reading at the links below to find out more details about Holy Week, Uniting in Heart and updated Sacramental directives from Bishop Doherty.
Bishop's Message to the Public, March 27, 2020
Carta del Obispo, 27 de Marzo de 2020Statement from the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana on the Suspension of Public Celebration of MassDear Brothers and Sisters,
Recently, the health and safety conditions in our diocesan community have shifted. The spread of the COVID-19 virus is a moment for Catholics to rely more deeply on their faith, deepen our prayer life and find ways to show loving kindness towards our neighbors. Offering special prayers of intercession for the healing of those infected, for the protection of the elderly and infirm who are at greatest risk, for the prevention of the disease’s spread, and for the courage and strength of care providers who minister to the sick, their families and those most in need, should become part of our daily prayer offerings. As your bishop, know that I am just as concerned about the health of our priests, especially those who are over the age of 60 and most at risk. There are sobering reports from Italy about priests’ virus-related deaths and hospitalizations.
Therefore, based on current guidelines from civic leaders and public health officials, I, as bishop of Lafayette-in-Indiana, together with all the bishops of the Province of Indianapolis, have mandated the suspension of all public celebrations of the Mass, other liturgical services and gatherings of the faithful effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 and until further notice. Of course, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass from March 13, 2020 continues until further notice. It is not a permanent dispensation.
The following decisions and directives have been formulated with local and statewide consultation. As a bishop, it hurts my heart to limit access to our churches and to the Divine Liturgy. I am in a position to make decisions that others cannot or will not, so I ask your prayers for the yet unforeseen challenges that we face in slowing down the contagion.
Today’s Mass reading from Daniel 3:25, 34-43 seems appropriate. “Azariah stood up in the fire and prayed aloud.” We are there with him in some way, so let’s make his prayer our own. And let us commend each other to God’s daily protection and strength.
Bishop Timothy Doherty
The following linked document includes directives for the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana going forward. These are effective 12:01am EST, March 18, 2020 (this means no public Masses on Wednesday, March 18)
Statement from the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana on the Suspension of Public Celebration of Mass
Aviso sobre suspensión de la celebración pública de las misas en la Diócesis de Lafayette in Indiana
A Decree from Bishop Doherty with details on the suspension of public Masses was issued on March 17, 2020. Click here to read the full text: Signed Decree, March 17, 2020Coronavirus (COVID-19) CommunicationsIndiana’s Catholic Bishops Suspend Public Sunday and Weekday Masses
In light of new information and recommendations from health officials concerning the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgency to stem the spread of the virus, the five Catholic bishops of Indiana have suspended, effective March 18 and until further notice, all public Sunday and weekday Masses throughout the Province of Indianapolis, which is comprised of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the Dioceses of Gary, Evansville, Fort Wayne-South Bend, and Lafayette.
Los Obispos Católicos de Indiana Suspenden las Misas Dominicales y Durante la Semana
A la luz de la nueva información y recomendaciones de los oficiales de salud sobre el peligro de la pandemia del COVID-19 y la urgencia de detener la propagación del virus, los cinco obispos católicos de Indiana han suspendido, a partir del 18 de marzo y hasta nuevo aviso, todas las misas públicas durante los domingos y durante la semana en toda la provincia de Indiana, que esta compuesta por la Arquidiócesis de Indianápolis y las Diócesis de Gary, Evansville, Fort Wayne-South Bend y Lafayette.
Indiana’s Catholic Bishops Suspend Public Sunday and Weekday Masses
Statement from Bishop Timothy Doherty Released March 13, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. EST
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be a prevalent and ongoing health concern across our country. As a result of Governor Holcomb’s announcement from March 12, I am dispensing from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the last 3 weekends of March, but regularly scheduled public Masses will go on. We will re-evaluate this approach on Monday, March 16.
I plan to celebrate Mass at 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 15 at Church of the Blessed Sacrament in West Lafayette. As your Bishop, I want to be able to pray through this crisis with you so this Mass will be livestreamed and available online. If you are unable to attend Mass, this would be a nice way for us to stay united in the heart of Jesus. In any case, you should devote prayers and activities appropriate to the Lord’s Day.
Additional livestream Masses will be available and we will make you aware of them as they are scheduled. I recognize the deep concern caused by ambiguity and uncertainty in dealing with this situation, especially as we care for our loved ones who may be affected.
As the situation evolves, we will continue to keep you updated on this matter. Please know that you all remain in my prayers and let us all pray for those caring for the sick.Ongoing Communications
The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana has issued the following communications regarding the coronavirus. Should you have further questions, you are advised to reach out to the diocesan Office of Communications or Office of Human Resources. Please forward this information with any pertinent staff and administration as appropriate.
Livestream Masses and Prayer Services
Updated Coronavirus Memo- March 13, 2020 2:00 p.m. EST
Updated Coronavirus memo- March 12, 2020
Coronavirus memo for parishes, schools and staff
Coronavirus Mass Guidelines