Father James Pankiewicz, pastor, greets parishioners as they leave St. Mary Church in Kickapoo following Mass on Sunday, March 20. Bishop Louis Tylka has announced that the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass -- granted in the Diocese of Peoria two years ago near the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States -- is being rescinded effective on Palm Sunday, April 10. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Following is the full text of a letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Peoria from Bishop Louis Tylka announcing that “the time has come to rescind the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass” that had been in place in the Diocese of Peoria since March 14, 2020, near the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The letter is dated this Sunday, March 27.

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Dear Friends in Christ,

Just over two years ago, the world entered an unprecedented time as the coronavirus pandemic began. No aspect of our lives went untouched, including the practice of our faith. From the onset, the Diocese of Peoria, in consort with the other dioceses in the State of Illinois, implemented protocols intended to protect the health and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters — especially the most vulnerable among us. I take this opportunity to acknowledge and honor all the sacrifices that were made, and to thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Now, having reached a point where many of the safety protocols are able to be lifted, the time has come to rescind the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. This will occur on Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022. Each year on this occasion, we mark Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem as we begin Holy Week. This year, it will also mark our Church’s triumphant renewal of Sunday worship. Having borne the cross of the COVID-19 pandemic, Holy Week is a most fitting time to enter anew into the death and resurrection of Jesus and experience the renewed life of the Church as we celebrate the source and summit of our lives as Catholic Christians — the Most Holy Eucharist.

During the past couple of years, many of our parishes began the praiseworthy practice of streaming their Masses and other liturgical events. I am glad to know that a number of our churches will continue this practice for the benefit of our sick and homebound. However, it must be noted that watching Mass on TV or via the Internet — even when it is live-streamed — does not fulfill the Sunday obligation. As has always been the case, those who are ill or homebound — along with those who care for them — are not obliged to attend Mass. Furthermore, charity indicates that if you are contagious, you should stay home.

We have all suffered through this pandemic together; therefore, it will be a great blessing to fully welcome back all our brothers and sisters to Mass, particularly for our beautiful and deeply significant liturgies of Holy Week and Easter!

My dear friends, let us continue to pray for one another as many still struggle with matters related to the coronavirus pandemic. We pray that Jesus’ healing touch may come upon those who continue to suffer.

Bishop Tylka

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!

Peace and Prayers,

+ Most Reverend Louis Tylka

BISHOP OF PEORIA