OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

Brothers and Sisters in the Diocese of San José,

Since the time of Adam and Eve, suffering has been part of the human experience. The pandemic
has certainly added a great deal of suffering worldwide. As we understand in our faith, suffering
will never be eliminated completely until Jesus Christ returns; however, we are called to mitigate
unnecessary suffering where possible. Thus, we live with a certain amount of discomfort and
inconvenience, but always with the joy and hope that we are in solidarity with each other and
with Christ’s suffering and caring for with most vulnerable among us.

Public health experts have been preparing the public for the endemic phase of the Covid-19
disease. With an endemic disease, the virus remains present at a lower level of infection as the
population gains greater immunity. Thus, we integrate the health risks of Covid-19 into our life
calculations.

Thank goodness, more than 80% of residents of Santa Clara County have been fully vaccinated
against COVID-19. With these improving circumstances, therefore, effective March 6, 2022,
the First Sunday of Lent, the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Day obligation will
conclude for all Catholics within the Diocese of San José. The faithful who are healthy and
without significant risk factors or other serious reasons should fulfill these obligations joyfully
and conscientiously, continuing to abide by safety protocols.

At the same time, I remind everyone that the Church has always provided exceptions to the
Sunday and Holy Day obligation. Anyone with a “serious reason” or “grave cause” is
excused from the obligation. In the case of this pandemic, “serious reason” and “grave cause”
would include: anyone who is sick, symptomatic, or tested positive for or has been recently
exposed to COVID; anyone who is confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; anyone
caring for someone who is ill or immunocompromised; or being at high-risk for contracting
COVID-19 (Canon 1245; CCC 2181). Catholics are encouraged to consult with their pastor
if they are unsure about their personal situation.

Anyone who isn’t able to go to Mass should continue to keep the Lord’s Day holy with
intentional time in prayer, including engagement in the readings for the day, which may be
enhanced through watching a pre-recorded or livestreamed Mass and making a spiritual
communion.

Regarding the importance of Sunday worship, the Catechism states: “The celebration of Sunday
observes the moral commandment inscribed by nature in the human heart to render to God an
outward, visible, public, and regular worship ‘as a sign of his universal beneficence to
all.’ Sunday worship fulfills the moral command of the Old Covenant, taking up its rhythm and
spirit in the weekly celebration of the Creator and Redeemer of his people” (CCC 2176).

I invite those of us who are able to return safely to participate in the Sunday Eucharist in their
parish. Let us continue to make the Lord’s Day a true celebration of thanksgiving for God’s love,
mercy, and redemption.

I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to keep our parishes and schools running so
that our mission could continue. Despite the challenges and darkness of this pandemic, we
continue to bring the light of Christ to others as seen in our liturgies, visits to the homebound,
prayer groups, faith formation, adoration, and much more. Thank you to all the volunteers, staff,
and clergy who have creatively nurtured our parish and school communities!

Be ensured of my prayers,

 

Most Reverend Oscar Cantú
Bishop of San José