Continuing Our Parish COVID Protocols

As we continue to learn to live with COVID-19 in our midst, and adjust to the changing variants, I am thankful for our pastors and parish leaders and their diligence in continuing the protocols already in place to help people feel safe while attending Mass. The protocols may include clearly designated areas for mask wearing and social distancing, as well as providing hand sanitizer and extra cleaning.

When possible, those who hold large parish meetings where social distancing options are not available, may consider changing to virtual attendance or postponing for now.

While there has been no outbreak of COVID-19 from Mass attendance, I’d like to encourage people to exercise personal responsibility. Those who feel sick, or who are especially at risk of health complications, should stay home and watch Sunday worship on the many Masses broadcast on TV and live-streamed on social media until they feel comfortable returning to in-person Mass. In those situations, or for those taking care of someone who is sick, Sunday Mass attendance is excused.

Our Sunday worship is a joyful obligation. It is a witness to God as the priority in our lives. By remaining diligent in these ways, we help ensure our parishioners feel safe attending Mass and can continue experiencing the connectedness of our parish communities, which is such a vital part of our lives.

Yours in Christ, 

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki

Archbishop of Milwaukee