Dispensation from Sunday Mass Obligation for Jan 13/14

January 13, 2024

a statue of mother mary covered in snow To the Faithful of the Diocese of Des Moines:

Due to the severity of the winter storm, Bishop William Joensen is granting a general dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation to the faithful of the Diocese.

NOTE: The Diocese is not cancelling Masses. Pastors are free to have Mass where safe and possible. Likewise, folks who prudentially judge they can safely get to Mass where it is being offered are free to attend, but are under no obligation to do so.

If pastors choose to cancel public Masses, they will still offer a private Mass for their people on Sunday.

As the snow falls and the temperatures drop, let us offer a prayer for those who are struggling to stay warm this winter, especially those experiencing homelessness. Let us also remember first responders, snowplow drivers and others who are working in this weather.

Our Lady of the Snows, keep us safe.