COVID-19 Pandemic Response & Updates
Update of March 1, 2022 from Bishop William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse:
After hearing from pastors, the faithful, and the diocesan Presbyteral Council, and in light of the decrease in current COVID infections, any precautions surrounding COVID-19 in the liturgy can be made by the local pastor. He will take into account present liturgical norms, the circumstances of his parish or group of the faithful, and the common sense learned from the past two years. Thus, beginning on Ash Wednesday [March 2, 2022], the pastor can implement guidelines for his parish(es) that are in keeping with the options found in the liturgical books. [The Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses, most recently revised on December 13, 2021 are thereby rescinded.]
Update of December 13, 2021:
The Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses, issued May 18, 2021 and updated on August 24, 2021 have been further revised. The December 13, 2021 guidelines now serve as the current guidelines. Local mandates that are more restrictive than the diocesan guidelines must continue to be followed (e.g., regarding face coverings, physical distancing, large gatherings, etc.). These revised guidelines are available for review in the parish office.
Update of August 31, 2021:
The diocesan Office for Catechesis and Evangelization has issued Guidelines for Parish Faith Formation programs (CCD/RE) for the 2021–2022 school year. In addition to the continuing guidelines of sanitization and social distancing, the diocese encourages vaccination. Nonetheless, the decision whether or not to vaccinate remains a personal decision. In addition, face coverings/masks are optional, but highly encouraged. These guidelines are available for review on the diocesan website.
Update of August 24, 2021:
Additional guidelines have been added to the Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses of May 18, 2021. Local mandates that are more restrictive than the diocesan guidelines should continue to be followed (e.g., regarding face coverings, physical distancing, large gatherings, etc.). These additional guidelines include the strong recommendation of wearing a mask while attending Mass and other parish events and the requirement that all ordinary and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion wear masks for the distribution of Holy Communion. These additional guidelines are available for review in the parish office.
Update of August 24, 2021 from the Diocesan Office for Catechesis and Evangelization:
Regarding parish religious education classes, no COVID-19 mandates are planned. At this time, we are asking all of our parishes to make sure they are working with their local county health department to plan a safe Faith Formation year. In-person sessions for students are encouraged along with involving parents in their children’s formation. Decisions on wearing masks, social distancing, what type of sanitizing takes place, etc. will be made at the local level. If Bishop Callahan wishes to issue a mandate due to changes within the pandemic, parishes will be notified immediately.
Update of August 20, 2021 from the Wisconsin Catholic Conference:
The bishops of the five dioceses of Wisconsin have issued a statement through the Wisconsin Catholic Conference on COVID-19 vaccination and the protection of conscience noting that it is the responsibility of the individual to raise moral or ethical objections to vaccination based on the dictates of his or her conscience. Pastors should not feel compelled to issue documentation recognizing this conscientious objection and are recommended not to do so. The statement is available here.
Update of August 10, 2021 from the Diocesan Vicar General, the Very Rev. William Dhein:
We recognize that everyone is receiving a barrage of communication, information, and recommendations in regards to the current status of COVID-19 and the delta variant within your local communities. We are also realistic, knowing that not all of the communication is consistent, and in fact some may be contradictory.
A committee made up of members of the curia, pastors, and representatives of parishes and school systems has been formed. The committee will meet regularly to review the wealth of information available, doing our best to make sense of the ever-changing data. The committee will then make recommendations to Bishop Callahan regarding any change to the current guidelines. Know that we are monitoring, researching, and evaluating the status across all counties.
At this time, we are recommending no change to the current guidelines in place, but we continue to encourage you to use common sense practices to make all people feel safe and comfortable while worshiping our Blessed Lord. You will be receiving updates and potential further recommendations as time passes. We continue to ask the intercession of so many saints, particularly our patrons, St. Joseph and St. Francis, along with our Blessed Mother, that the healing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may bring an end to this pandemic.
Update of June 14, 2021 from Bishop William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse:
It is with open arms and a grateful heart that I will lift the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation for the Diocese of La Crosse that went into effect on March 13, 2020 beginning on June 26–27, 2021. I invite, encourage and request the faithful, who are able and well, and who have not already done so, to return to in-person participation in the celebration of the Mass. Although the pandemic is not completely behind us, with the current positive trends it is vital for our spiritual lives to return to a regular reception of the sacraments, especially Sunday Mass. I do ask that we remain vigilant as we come together in helping everyone stay healthy and at peace.
Update of May 18, 2021:
New Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses have been issued. Local ordinances that are more restrictive than the diocesan guidelines should be followed (e.g., regarding face coverings, physical distancing, large gatherings, etc.). These guidelines of May 18, 2021 are available for review in the parish office.
Update of March 31, 2021 from Bishop William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse:
In light of the decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to overturn the statewide mask mandate, it remains a difficult challenge during this time to balance our needs with the need to protect public health. We are all called upon to make sacrifices that will benefit others so I am strongly encouraging that our Churches and schools continue the practice of having individuals wear masks while participating from a safe social distance. Please keep in mind that while I am strongly encouraging this practice many of our cities and counties have their own mask mandates that will remain in effect regardless of the decision by the state legislature. The exercise of limitations, such as wearing masks and social distancing, as difficult and frustrating as they may be, should be viewed as charitable act offered for others.
Update of March 3, 2021:
At this time, unless local regulation direct otherwise, churches may allow 50% of capacity for Masses and parish events. It is understandable that there are churches that would not be able to allow 50% capacity while maintaining 6-feet for social distancing. The bishop is asking that pastors evaluate their church seating availability and determine what a parish might be able to do in order to increase the number of individuals that might be able to attend Mass with as much social distancing as possible. Parishes should keep in mind that the guidelines do require those in attendance to wear masks and that parishes would perform sanitation procedures to maintain as safe as environment as possible during this time.
Update of February 15, 2021:
Liturgical guidelines for Holy Week 2021 have been issued. The current Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses and sacraments still apply, including social distancing, reasonable sanitization measures of surfaces, and wearing masks. Unless local regulations direct otherwise, churches may be occupied up to 50% capacity. Liturgically, holy water fonts ought to remain empty, the exchange of peace omitted, and communion distributed only under the species of bread. If the use of more than one cantor is desired, choir size should be limited to few voices arranged according to social distance practices. Pastors should apply the specific guidelines for each of the Holy Week liturgies as local circumstances dictate. In some instances, these 2021 guidelines apply the Holy See’s 2020 norms to the present conditions, as well as our own diocesan Holy Week guidelines of 2020.
Update of February 4, 2021 from Bishop William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse:
Throughout this pandemic we have seen where the discussion of wearing masks has become for some, a discussion about the execution of theological knowledge and for others a discussion about virological knowledge. We must not make the decision to wear a face mask about the right knowledge. Instead, we must call for consideration of another’s experience as a way of showing Christ’s love. No matter whether a local mandate is in place in your community in the Diocese of La Crosse, I am asking that we continue to follow the Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses. The guidelines not only include social distancing and reduced occupancy rates but also require face coverings be worn by all faithful participating in Masses, parish functions, and in our Catholic schools. We are reminded throughout scripture the important message of caring for others. How well we endure in sacrificially serving the vulnerable is one of the greatest indicators of how deeply we have understood what Christ has done for us. Let us continue our work in Christ showing his love by caring for one another.
Update of January 13, 2021 from the Wisconsin Catholic Conference:
The bishops of the five dioceses of Wisconsin have issued a statement through the Wisconsin Catholic Conference on the morality of COVID-19 vaccines and issued a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to go with the statement. The statement is available here along with the FAQ.
Update of January 12, 2021 from Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship:
Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, has issued a note regarding the manner of distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday during this time of pandemic. On Ash Wednesday, the priest will say the prayer for blessing the ashes. He sprinkles the ashes with holy water, without saying anything. Then he addresses all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”, or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. The priest then cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask, and distributes the ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places. The priest takes the ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything.
Update of December 14, 2020 from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Doctrine, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement on the new COVID-19 vaccines. In their statement, the bishops address the moral concerns raised by the fact that the three vaccines that appear to be ready for distribution in the United States all have some connection to cell lines that originated with tissue taken from abortions. The full statement from the bishop chairmen may be found here.
Update of November 23, 2020:
Bishop William P. Callahan, OFM Conv. has decreed that the obligation to attend Holy Mass not just on Sundays but also on Holy Days of Obligation is suspended until further notice. Nonetheless, he asks that if you are able to in a safe way, please attend Mass. He notes that if you have any underlying conditions, are caring for those might be vulnerable or have concerns about COVID-19, please know that obligation to attend in person is lifted but that our need to celebrate the great solemnities of December 25: Christmas and January 1: Mary, Mother of God for our spiritual health has never been greater.
Update of November 19, 2020:
In response to confusion regarding changes, questions, and comments about Mass policies from the clergy, as well as the faithful of the Diocese of La Crosse, the diocese reinforces the Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses, issued on May 14, 2020, and notes that the following norms are still in force: (1) Allowing only 25% capacity of our churches while maintaining social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet between people not living in the same household. (2) Face coverings must be worn by all individuals, 5 years and older, present within our Churches and office spaces or attending any function associated with the ministry of the Diocese of La Crosse. (3) Holy Water fonts and baptismal fonts must remain empty. (4) All missals, hymnals, prayer cards or other paper resources must be removed from pews. (5) A cantor and accompanist are allowed, but choirs should not be used.
Update of November 9, 2020:
In accordance with the 1967 Instruction Eucharisticum mysterium, Bishop William P. Callahan, OFM Conv. has exceptionally permitted Christmas “evening” Masses in 2020 to begin as early as 2:00 PM. The reason for this exception is so that pastors, where they deem it helpful, may offer additional Masses for the faithful on this day, while still adhering to the 25% building capacity limit. The Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses, issued on May 14, 2020 must continue to be followed.
Update of November 1, 2020 from the Congregation for Divine Worship:
An indult has been granted for local ordinaries in the United States of America to allow priests in their diocese to celebrate up to four Masses on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This permission is granted for Christmas 2020 only.
Update of May 2020 from the Diocese of La Crosse:
Each parish will be required to complete and submit a certification of readiness to reopen their church for public Mass. A certification of readiness confirms completion of all action steps and demonstrates that there are a sufficient number of trained volunteers to execute the plan. A parish team of non-vulnerable volunteers must be in place including a compliance manager for the parish to co-manage operations, with the pastor, and to supervise cleaning, set-up and greeting for Masses, ushering and parking lot attendees. The pastor must also maintain an on-going program for procurement of safety and cleaning supplies. At least one month of supplies is required on site to meet certification of readiness. A safe and secure attendance assignment system must also in place to maintain compliance for the approved number of attendees for each Mass. This system should also include information in the case that it would be necessary to facilitate possible contact tracing of infection if necessary.
The Diocese of La Crosse will phase in additional accommodations for the reopening for weekday public Masses and for weekend Masses for larger groups. At this time weekday Masses will continue to be celebrated for nine people or less abiding by the social distancing guidelines. The Diocese will review the current guidelines on a regular basis and make adjustments in accord to new data and ongoing discussions with pastors, health care professionals and civil authorities. Keep in mind the increased needs that will be required for increased attendance and continue to make those preparations with continued recruitment and training of new, non-vulnerable volunteers and increased capacity for your reservation system and safety and cleaning supplies.
Update of April 15, 2020 from Bishop William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse:
All Confirmation ceremonies in the Diocese of La Crosse are to be celebrated by the deans (vicars forane). If the deans are not able to do so, the local pastor may celebrate the sacrament in his own parish and for his own candidates.
Update of April 2, 2020 from the Diocese of La Crosse:
The Holy See has released two sets of liturgical texts. The first is a text for use during the Solemn Intercessions on Good Friday, praying for relief from the current pandemic. Either this text, or that found in the list of Liturgical Guidelines for Holy Week sent on March 30, 2020, should be included in celebrations of Good Friday. The second set of texts includes formularies for a “Mass in Time of Pandemic,” as well as suggested readings for the “Mass in Time of Pandemic.” As the introductory rubrics for this Mass indicate, these texts may be used “on any day except Solemnities, the Sundays of Advent, Lent, and Easter, days within the Octave of Easter, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), Ash Wednesday and the days of Holy Week.”
After hearing from pastors, the faithful, and the diocesan Presbyteral Council, and in light of the decrease in current COVID infections, any precautions surrounding COVID-19 in the liturgy can be made by the local pastor. He will take into account present liturgical norms, the circumstances of his parish or group of the faithful, and the common sense learned from the past two years. Thus, beginning on Ash Wednesday [March 2, 2022], the pastor can implement guidelines for his parish(es) that are in keeping with the options found in the liturgical books. [The Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses, most recently revised on December 13, 2021 are thereby rescinded.]
Update of December 13, 2021:
The Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses, issued May 18, 2021 and updated on August 24, 2021 have been further revised. The December 13, 2021 guidelines now serve as the current guidelines. Local mandates that are more restrictive than the diocesan guidelines must continue to be followed (e.g., regarding face coverings, physical distancing, large gatherings, etc.). These revised guidelines are available for review in the parish office.
Update of August 31, 2021:
The diocesan Office for Catechesis and Evangelization has issued Guidelines for Parish Faith Formation programs (CCD/RE) for the 2021–2022 school year. In addition to the continuing guidelines of sanitization and social distancing, the diocese encourages vaccination. Nonetheless, the decision whether or not to vaccinate remains a personal decision. In addition, face coverings/masks are optional, but highly encouraged. These guidelines are available for review on the diocesan website.
Update of August 24, 2021:
Additional guidelines have been added to the Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses of May 18, 2021. Local mandates that are more restrictive than the diocesan guidelines should continue to be followed (e.g., regarding face coverings, physical distancing, large gatherings, etc.). These additional guidelines include the strong recommendation of wearing a mask while attending Mass and other parish events and the requirement that all ordinary and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion wear masks for the distribution of Holy Communion. These additional guidelines are available for review in the parish office.
Update of August 24, 2021 from the Diocesan Office for Catechesis and Evangelization:
Regarding parish religious education classes, no COVID-19 mandates are planned. At this time, we are asking all of our parishes to make sure they are working with their local county health department to plan a safe Faith Formation year. In-person sessions for students are encouraged along with involving parents in their children’s formation. Decisions on wearing masks, social distancing, what type of sanitizing takes place, etc. will be made at the local level. If Bishop Callahan wishes to issue a mandate due to changes within the pandemic, parishes will be notified immediately.
Update of August 20, 2021 from the Wisconsin Catholic Conference:
The bishops of the five dioceses of Wisconsin have issued a statement through the Wisconsin Catholic Conference on COVID-19 vaccination and the protection of conscience noting that it is the responsibility of the individual to raise moral or ethical objections to vaccination based on the dictates of his or her conscience. Pastors should not feel compelled to issue documentation recognizing this conscientious objection and are recommended not to do so. The statement is available here.
Update of August 10, 2021 from the Diocesan Vicar General, the Very Rev. William Dhein:
We recognize that everyone is receiving a barrage of communication, information, and recommendations in regards to the current status of COVID-19 and the delta variant within your local communities. We are also realistic, knowing that not all of the communication is consistent, and in fact some may be contradictory.
A committee made up of members of the curia, pastors, and representatives of parishes and school systems has been formed. The committee will meet regularly to review the wealth of information available, doing our best to make sense of the ever-changing data. The committee will then make recommendations to Bishop Callahan regarding any change to the current guidelines. Know that we are monitoring, researching, and evaluating the status across all counties.
At this time, we are recommending no change to the current guidelines in place, but we continue to encourage you to use common sense practices to make all people feel safe and comfortable while worshiping our Blessed Lord. You will be receiving updates and potential further recommendations as time passes. We continue to ask the intercession of so many saints, particularly our patrons, St. Joseph and St. Francis, along with our Blessed Mother, that the healing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may bring an end to this pandemic.
Update of June 14, 2021 from Bishop William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse:
It is with open arms and a grateful heart that I will lift the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation for the Diocese of La Crosse that went into effect on March 13, 2020 beginning on June 26–27, 2021. I invite, encourage and request the faithful, who are able and well, and who have not already done so, to return to in-person participation in the celebration of the Mass. Although the pandemic is not completely behind us, with the current positive trends it is vital for our spiritual lives to return to a regular reception of the sacraments, especially Sunday Mass. I do ask that we remain vigilant as we come together in helping everyone stay healthy and at peace.
Update of May 18, 2021:
New Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses have been issued. Local ordinances that are more restrictive than the diocesan guidelines should be followed (e.g., regarding face coverings, physical distancing, large gatherings, etc.). These guidelines of May 18, 2021 are available for review in the parish office.
Update of March 31, 2021 from Bishop William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse:
In light of the decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to overturn the statewide mask mandate, it remains a difficult challenge during this time to balance our needs with the need to protect public health. We are all called upon to make sacrifices that will benefit others so I am strongly encouraging that our Churches and schools continue the practice of having individuals wear masks while participating from a safe social distance. Please keep in mind that while I am strongly encouraging this practice many of our cities and counties have their own mask mandates that will remain in effect regardless of the decision by the state legislature. The exercise of limitations, such as wearing masks and social distancing, as difficult and frustrating as they may be, should be viewed as charitable act offered for others.
Update of March 3, 2021:
At this time, unless local regulation direct otherwise, churches may allow 50% of capacity for Masses and parish events. It is understandable that there are churches that would not be able to allow 50% capacity while maintaining 6-feet for social distancing. The bishop is asking that pastors evaluate their church seating availability and determine what a parish might be able to do in order to increase the number of individuals that might be able to attend Mass with as much social distancing as possible. Parishes should keep in mind that the guidelines do require those in attendance to wear masks and that parishes would perform sanitation procedures to maintain as safe as environment as possible during this time.
Update of February 15, 2021:
Liturgical guidelines for Holy Week 2021 have been issued. The current Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses and sacraments still apply, including social distancing, reasonable sanitization measures of surfaces, and wearing masks. Unless local regulations direct otherwise, churches may be occupied up to 50% capacity. Liturgically, holy water fonts ought to remain empty, the exchange of peace omitted, and communion distributed only under the species of bread. If the use of more than one cantor is desired, choir size should be limited to few voices arranged according to social distance practices. Pastors should apply the specific guidelines for each of the Holy Week liturgies as local circumstances dictate. In some instances, these 2021 guidelines apply the Holy See’s 2020 norms to the present conditions, as well as our own diocesan Holy Week guidelines of 2020.
Update of February 4, 2021 from Bishop William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse:
Throughout this pandemic we have seen where the discussion of wearing masks has become for some, a discussion about the execution of theological knowledge and for others a discussion about virological knowledge. We must not make the decision to wear a face mask about the right knowledge. Instead, we must call for consideration of another’s experience as a way of showing Christ’s love. No matter whether a local mandate is in place in your community in the Diocese of La Crosse, I am asking that we continue to follow the Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses. The guidelines not only include social distancing and reduced occupancy rates but also require face coverings be worn by all faithful participating in Masses, parish functions, and in our Catholic schools. We are reminded throughout scripture the important message of caring for others. How well we endure in sacrificially serving the vulnerable is one of the greatest indicators of how deeply we have understood what Christ has done for us. Let us continue our work in Christ showing his love by caring for one another.
Update of January 13, 2021 from the Wisconsin Catholic Conference:
The bishops of the five dioceses of Wisconsin have issued a statement through the Wisconsin Catholic Conference on the morality of COVID-19 vaccines and issued a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to go with the statement. The statement is available here along with the FAQ.
Update of January 12, 2021 from Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship:
Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, has issued a note regarding the manner of distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday during this time of pandemic. On Ash Wednesday, the priest will say the prayer for blessing the ashes. He sprinkles the ashes with holy water, without saying anything. Then he addresses all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”, or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. The priest then cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask, and distributes the ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places. The priest takes the ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything.
Update of December 14, 2020 from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Doctrine, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement on the new COVID-19 vaccines. In their statement, the bishops address the moral concerns raised by the fact that the three vaccines that appear to be ready for distribution in the United States all have some connection to cell lines that originated with tissue taken from abortions. The full statement from the bishop chairmen may be found here.
Update of November 23, 2020:
Bishop William P. Callahan, OFM Conv. has decreed that the obligation to attend Holy Mass not just on Sundays but also on Holy Days of Obligation is suspended until further notice. Nonetheless, he asks that if you are able to in a safe way, please attend Mass. He notes that if you have any underlying conditions, are caring for those might be vulnerable or have concerns about COVID-19, please know that obligation to attend in person is lifted but that our need to celebrate the great solemnities of December 25: Christmas and January 1: Mary, Mother of God for our spiritual health has never been greater.
Update of November 19, 2020:
In response to confusion regarding changes, questions, and comments about Mass policies from the clergy, as well as the faithful of the Diocese of La Crosse, the diocese reinforces the Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses, issued on May 14, 2020, and notes that the following norms are still in force: (1) Allowing only 25% capacity of our churches while maintaining social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet between people not living in the same household. (2) Face coverings must be worn by all individuals, 5 years and older, present within our Churches and office spaces or attending any function associated with the ministry of the Diocese of La Crosse. (3) Holy Water fonts and baptismal fonts must remain empty. (4) All missals, hymnals, prayer cards or other paper resources must be removed from pews. (5) A cantor and accompanist are allowed, but choirs should not be used.
Update of November 9, 2020:
In accordance with the 1967 Instruction Eucharisticum mysterium, Bishop William P. Callahan, OFM Conv. has exceptionally permitted Christmas “evening” Masses in 2020 to begin as early as 2:00 PM. The reason for this exception is so that pastors, where they deem it helpful, may offer additional Masses for the faithful on this day, while still adhering to the 25% building capacity limit. The Guidelines for the Public Celebration of Masses, issued on May 14, 2020 must continue to be followed.
Update of November 1, 2020 from the Congregation for Divine Worship:
An indult has been granted for local ordinaries in the United States of America to allow priests in their diocese to celebrate up to four Masses on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This permission is granted for Christmas 2020 only.
Update of May 2020 from the Diocese of La Crosse:
Each parish will be required to complete and submit a certification of readiness to reopen their church for public Mass. A certification of readiness confirms completion of all action steps and demonstrates that there are a sufficient number of trained volunteers to execute the plan. A parish team of non-vulnerable volunteers must be in place including a compliance manager for the parish to co-manage operations, with the pastor, and to supervise cleaning, set-up and greeting for Masses, ushering and parking lot attendees. The pastor must also maintain an on-going program for procurement of safety and cleaning supplies. At least one month of supplies is required on site to meet certification of readiness. A safe and secure attendance assignment system must also in place to maintain compliance for the approved number of attendees for each Mass. This system should also include information in the case that it would be necessary to facilitate possible contact tracing of infection if necessary.
The Diocese of La Crosse will phase in additional accommodations for the reopening for weekday public Masses and for weekend Masses for larger groups. At this time weekday Masses will continue to be celebrated for nine people or less abiding by the social distancing guidelines. The Diocese will review the current guidelines on a regular basis and make adjustments in accord to new data and ongoing discussions with pastors, health care professionals and civil authorities. Keep in mind the increased needs that will be required for increased attendance and continue to make those preparations with continued recruitment and training of new, non-vulnerable volunteers and increased capacity for your reservation system and safety and cleaning supplies.
Update of April 15, 2020 from Bishop William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse:
All Confirmation ceremonies in the Diocese of La Crosse are to be celebrated by the deans (vicars forane). If the deans are not able to do so, the local pastor may celebrate the sacrament in his own parish and for his own candidates.
Update of April 2, 2020 from the Diocese of La Crosse:
The Holy See has released two sets of liturgical texts. The first is a text for use during the Solemn Intercessions on Good Friday, praying for relief from the current pandemic. Either this text, or that found in the list of Liturgical Guidelines for Holy Week sent on March 30, 2020, should be included in celebrations of Good Friday. The second set of texts includes formularies for a “Mass in Time of Pandemic,” as well as suggested readings for the “Mass in Time of Pandemic.” As the introductory rubrics for this Mass indicate, these texts may be used “on any day except Solemnities, the Sundays of Advent, Lent, and Easter, days within the Octave of Easter, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), Ash Wednesday and the days of Holy Week.”