News: Dispensation ends, Welcome to Mass

by Diocese of Des Moines | July 12, 2021

In an unprecedented move prompted by the pandemic, a dispensation was granted from the Sunday and holy day obligation last year. The dispensation ends and the Sunday and holy day obligation will be reinstated July 25.

"It was a profoundly sobering decision to suspend public Masses and the Sunday obligation over a year ago, and throughout this pandemic I know we have all longed for a more ordinary rhythm in our life of faith and communal worship," wrote Bishop William Joensen to the faithful last month. 

"Reinstating the Sunday obligation is an encouraging step forward; it is being taken in response to a much improved public health situation, and the widespread accessiblity of effective vaccines against COVID-19," he wrote.

There will always be cases where individuals are excused or dispensed for serious reasons (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church number 2181).