Bishop Rice: Sunday Masses Resume May 23

In a statement distributed via local parishes, Bishop Edward Rice has reinstated public masses in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Daily masses began on Monday, May 18, and Sunday masses are open to the public beginning this weekend. 

Church goers are asked to stay home if they are high risk or feeling ill. The dispensation from attending mass remains in effect for all Catholics until further notice. 

Masks are highly recommended during mass, and parishioners are asked to be diligent about handwashing and to use hand sanitizer at church entrances. 

Six feet of social distancing is to be observed. An empty row of pews should be observed as families choose seats. There will be no altar servers, no sign of peace, no passing of collection baskets, no holy water in the fonts, and no distribution of the Precious Blood via the chalice.

Distribution of Holy Communion will take place after the mass. Those who prefer to receive on the tongue should come at the end of the line. 

Congregations will depart by rows at the end of the celebration to avoid crowding at exits or in parking lots.