Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Regarding Reinstating the Obligation to Attend Sunday Mass

“We have all felt the impact of COVID-19 in as individuals and families.  It has been a time of acute hardship and struggle, of separation and isolation.  It has also had an impact on our lives of faith.  Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, has been with us throughout this challenging period and is most especially near to us when we encounter him in the Eucharist.  The Eucharist offers us His healing and peace, His mercy and reconciliation.  It is now time for everyone to return to the Eucharist with renewed faith and joy.

As many aspects of life are now returning to normalcy, each Catholic Bishop in Pennsylvania will reinstate the obligation to attend Mass in person on Sundays and Holy Days beginning on Sunday, August 15, 2021, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

The Bishops previously jointly decided to dispense  the faithful from this obligation in March of 2020 in order to provide for the common good given concerns over the developing pandemic.  Now, with the impact of the pandemic considerably reduced, it is again possible for the faithful to assemble for the Eucharist. It is time to lift the dispensation from the obligation.

The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days comes from our Baptism as Christians.  Baptism compels Christians to unite themselves with Christ at the altar in his saving Sacrifice of the Cross. Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2182). This is the foundation for the law of the Church that binds Catholics to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days (Code of Canon Law, canon 1247) and the Christian way fully to observe the Third Commandment, to keep holy the Lord’s Day (Deuteronomy 5: 12; Exodus 31: 15; Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 2180-2181).

This obligation, as is always the case, does not apply to those who are seriously ill, have a serious health risk, as well as those who have serious anxiety about being a part of large groups at this time.  Likewise, the obligation does not apply to those who care for those who cannot attend Mass in person (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2181).  Those who are legitimately excused from Mass on Sundays and Holy Days are encouraged to spend time in prayer, meditating on the Death and Resurrection of the Lord, reading the Sacred Scriptures, and uniting themselves to Christ in his worship of the Father of us all.  Those who are legitimately excused are also encouraged to view a broadcast of the Mass which is intended for those who cannot participate in person.

As Bishops, we welcome this moment of the reinstatement of the obligation for all Catholics in Pennsylvania.  This is a moment to thank God anew for the great gift of the Mass and the Real Presence of Jesus to us in his Holy Body and Blood as well as the joy of gathering together as people of faith.”

Most Reverend Nelson Pérez                                     

Archbishop of Philadelphia    

July 15, 2021          

Online Giving Has a New Look!

If you are using our online giving platform, please enjoy the new user-friendly features!  If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Rectory at anytime.  Visit 

https://www.osvhub.com/stjohnthebaptistchurch
if you would like to sign up, or make a donation. 
Thank you!

VIEW LIVESTREAM LITURGIES
AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
 

Beginning June 12 the 4PM Vigil and Sunday 9AM Mass will be livestreamed to the above link or by clicking on the photo.  Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from One License,
License #a-735519.  All Rights Reserved.

GOD BLESS OUR FIRST

COMMUNICANTS!

Join us at PREP!  We are looking to fill teacher and aide positions within our PREP Program, or just for occasional help!  Email 
dre@stjohnmanayunk.org
today if interested!

St. John the Baptist Parish Celebrates 190 Years! Save the Date of April 30, 2022 when we plan to celebrate!

The parish was officially founded on April 4, 1831 by Jerome and Eulalia Keating, through their charity and piety.  Due to the pandemic the parish will celebrate in a year from now when we can safely gather, Save the Date of April 30, 2022!  Click here for a brief history of St. John the Baptist.  Please keep our parish in your continued prayers!

UDPATED GUIDELINES:
We will continue to stream the mass at facebook.com/sjbmanayunk if you are unable to attend Mass in-person at 4PM Vigil and 9AM Sunday. 

Please follow the local and state Mask wearing current guidelines.  

Funerals,  weddings, and baptisms may continue to be held as planned; Baptisms may be scheduled if all baptismal preparation and paperwork is submitted and complete.  Pre-Jordan is still being held virtually.

The parish office is open Monday-Friday from 9AM - 4PM.    Feel free to call 215.482.4600 or email us at secretary@stjohnmanayunk.org.