Following is the text of the Decree from Bishop Folda reinstating the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, beginning May 1.

Decree

Reinstating the General Obligation to Attend Mass

In Nomine Domini. Amen.

Whereas, due to the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic, on March 17, 2020 I dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of Fargo from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation; and

Whereas, circumstances now allow us to attend Mass safely,

Therefore, beginning May 1, 2021, the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is reinstated in the Diocese of Fargo.

This obligation does not apply to those who are ill, those who have reason to believe they were recently exposed to Covid-19 or another serious or contagious illness, those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or a nursing facility, those who care for the sick, the infirm, and the homebound, those who are unable to attend Mass through no fault of their own, those with underlying health conditions or in a high-risk category, and those who have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by attending Mass.

One should consult their pastor if questions arise about the obligation to attend Mass.

With an assurance of prayers for the holiness and good health of all, I extend my apostolic blessing to the faithful of the Diocese of Fargo.

+John T. Folda
Bishop of Folda

Given at the Diocesan Pastoral Center
this 1st day of April, 2021