Statements and Documents - Office of the Bishop

Dispensation from the Obligation to attend Sunday Masses due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus until further notice

Joint Statements, Statements and Documents

Mar 13, 2020 by wpadmin

JOINT STATEMENT: THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESES OF SIOUX FALLS AND RAPID CITY [caption id="attachment_48" align="alignleft" width="400"] Very Reverend Michel Mulloy & Bishop Donald E. DeGrood[/caption] Dispensation from the Obligation to attend Sunday Masses due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus until further notice Earlier this week and in our respective capacities as spiritual leaders of the two dioceses in South Dakota, we announced measures for limiting the spread of illness during Masses. These statements were circulated within parishes and can be accessed on the two diocesan websites. With public health officials providing additional guidance this week that has led to the cancellation of sporting and cultural events, we write to offer further clarification and guidance. While the Church has not been asked by government officials at this time to…

Precautions in the Midst of Influenza Infections

Statements and Documents

Mar 11, 2020 by wpadmin

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Recent reporting on the spread of the COVID-19 “Coronavirus” gives all of us pause and reason to be concerned about our own health and the health of those around us who are most vulnerable to contracting disease. Still recovering from a different strain of influenza, I know first-hand just how much we become impacted by viral infection. Therefore, it’s natural that many parishes and pastors have been approached with concerns about what precautions can and should be implemented, especially now that there are confirmed cases here in South Dakota. The coronavirus has already directly impacted one of our Catholic schools and parishes and is likely to affect others in the near future. Let us first of all remain mindful that researchers have confirmed that…