The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is advising U.S. Catholics not to take the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine unless there is no alternative vaccine available. Read the USCCB statement.
Sunday and daily Masses have resumed in the Diocese of Fargo, but live-streaming of the Sunday Mass is still available here and on the Diocese of Fargo YouTube page. The Sunday Mass live-stream is at 10 a.m. and remains available throughout the day.
Here are some resources to help you pray:
On December 15, 2021, Bishop Folda announced the following update regarding the Sign of Peace
On May 16, 2021, Bishop Folda announced the following update regarding Confessionals.
On April 15, 2021, Bishop Folda announced the following update regarding the Offertory procession.
On April 1, 2021, Bishop Folda reinstated the General Obligation to Attend Mass.
On March 26, 2021, Bishop Folda announced the following update regarding choirs at liturgy.
On March 2, 2021, Bishop Folda announced the following update regarding social distancing in churches.
On February 1, 2021, Bishop Folda announced the following update regarding congregational singing and holy water.
On September 6, 2020, Bishop Folda wrote a statement regarding music at Mass for the fall.
On June 12, 2020, Bishop Folda wrote a statement reducing the restrictiveness of some of the directives that came into effect on May 4.
On May 11, 2020, Bishop Folda wrote a statement about the reception of Communion (PDF) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 30, 2020, Bishop Folda issued a Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fargo, permitting the public celebration of Mass with limitations. In it, he again dispenses Catholics from the obligation to attend Mass.
On March 17, 2020, Bishop Folda issued a Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fargo, canceling the public celebration of Mass, sacraments and parish events.
What can Catholics do to stay true to their faith when they are unable to receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist? The Church says one can make a “Spiritual Communion.”
The Diocese of Fargo sponsors a broadcast of the Sunday Mass every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. on WDAY/WDAZ TV in Fargo and Grand Forks (to help sponsor this Mass, visit the TV Mass page). The U.S. Bishops website contains links to online Mass. If that’s not possible, you may do the following:
Whether you watch a televised Mass or pray together at home, include this beautiful prayer:
My Jesus, I believe that you are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you Sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you.
The various offices of the Diocese of Fargo have posted ideas on how to provide pastoral ministry during this time of “social distancing.”
Links to resources on the internet from federal and state agencies
CDC Resources: In depth information on symptoms, protection and testing, as well as recommedations for businesses, schools, gatherings, publics events, etc. There is a page for “Community and Faith-Based Organizations.”
ND Smart Restart Plan (PDF): North Dakota’s Smart Restart plan is “a roadmap to a better, safer and healthier tomorrow for employers, employees and customers alike.”
ND Department of Health Resources: up-to-date news, including the current Risk Level and the number of coronavirus cases in North Dakota, as well as additional resources, including fact sheets and posters.
The Department of Health collaborated with the Department of Public Instruction to create the following fact sheets:
ND Department of Public Instruction Resources: Updates and guidance on COVID-19 for schools and families.