ADOM :: Masks again optional at Mass for the vaccinated

By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami

MIAMI | Citing the “continued decline” of COVID-19 infection numbers in South Florida, Archbishop Thomas Wenski has relaxed the mask-wearing protocols for Mass, once again allowing those who are vaccinated to opt out of wearing them.

The archbishop made the announcement in a letter emailed to pastors Friday afternoon, Feb. 4, 2022.

The relaxed protocols take effect this weekend, Feb. 5 and 6.

At the same time, protocols in effect since the start of the pandemic in 2020 remain. Among them:

No Sign of Peace.
Social distancing (six feet) between households.
Empty holy water fonts.

The archbishop asked that those who distribute Communion – whether lay or clergy – continue to wear masks while doing so, regardless of vaccination status.

The distribution of hymnals and other worship aids is permitted.

“We continue to encourage all to be vaccinated as vaccination are effective in mitigating the effects of COVID infection,” the archbishop concluded.

Click on the image to read and download the archbishop’s letter.

Comments from readers

Donna Thomas - 02/14/2022 07:20 AM

I also do not feel comfortable in returning to Mass without a mask requirement. South Florida still has a high level of Covid transmission, and this puts people at risk in an indoors setting lasting for an hour or more. In my parish, there is no attempt to allow those who prefer to be masked to sit in a separate section from those who don't. There also appears to be very little concern among those who don't wear a mask for those who are worried about their health. I wish this would be addressed on both the parish and diocesan level. Concern for others should be a Catholic value.

Brook A Goddard - 02/13/2022 09:47 AM

A overdue decision but one that I totally support.

Donna Malchrist - 02/11/2022 06:24 PM

I still am not comfortable yet with the easing of masks mandates. Eventhough I'm fully boostered. You never know whether the person is wearing one.I still do not want to take any chances My health is very important to me. It's better to err on the side of caution. Until the levels of positivity infections stay stable.I will wait until it is safe for me to return to worshiping at St Catherine of Siena once again

Donna Thomas - 02/14/2022 07:20 AM: I also do not feel comfortable in returning to Mass without a mask requirement. South Florida still has a high level of Covid transmission, and this puts people at risk in an indoors setting lasting for an hour or more. In my parish, there is no attempt to allow those who prefer to be masked to sit in a separate section from those who don't. There also appears to be very little concern among those who don't wear a mask for those who are worried about their health. I wish this would be addressed on both the parish and diocesan level. Concern for others should be a Catholic value.

Brook A Goddard - 02/13/2022 09:47 AM: A overdue decision but one that I totally support.

Donna Malchrist - 02/11/2022 06:24 PM: I still am not comfortable yet with the easing of masks mandates. Eventhough I'm fully boostered. You never know whether the person is wearing one.I still do not want to take any chances My health is very important to me. It's better to err on the side of caution. Until the levels of positivity infections stay stable.I will wait until it is safe for me to return to worshiping at St Catherine of Siena once again

Feature News | Saturday, February 05, 2022

Masks again optional at Mass for the vaccinated

Archbishop Wenski relaxes church protocols given 'continued decline' in COVID infections

By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami

Comments from readers