In order best to safeguard the Catholic faithful and the greater community from the serious threat
and spread of the Coronavirus/COVID-19, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, in union with the Bishops
of Ohio, has decreed all publically celebrated Masses and other liturgies in the Diocese of
Toledo will be temporarily suspended. This decree is effective immediately and will remain in
place at least through the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. All the
faithful are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass during this time in accord with
the Code of Canon Law.
It was only after consultation with the Governor and public health officials, that this
unprecedented painful decision needed to be made immediately in order to protect the health and
well-being of our communities. With you I am heartbroken that such a decision had to be made,
but trust that this sacrifice, for the greater good, will be received with charity and understanding
and will, ultimately serve to unite us ever more closely with Christ, the Suffering Servant.
See the statement from the Ohio Bishops here: March-16-2020-Bishop-Statement2
