Episcopal Decree Restoring the Sunday Obligation

In the name of God.
Most Rev. Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.
Archbishop of Moncton
Whereas in March 2020, Archbishop Vienneau of Moncton granted a dispensation from the obligation of Sunday Mass in light of the coronavirus pandemic for the safety of the faithful and the common good;
Whereas public restrictions on public gatherings, including public worship, have now long since been lifted;
Therefore, in recognition of the reduced danger to public health caused by the coronavirus and for the good of souls, I hereby reinstate the Sunday obligation for Catholics beginning Saturday, June 1, 2024, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, in accordance with canons 1245-1246 of the Code of Canon Law.
As has always been the case, anyone with a "serious reason" or a "grave cause" is dispensed from this obligation. These reasons include the following:

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• anyone who is ill, symptomatic or recently exposed to the coronavirus;
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• anyone with serious health risk factors that require them to avoid public spaces;
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• anyone who is caring for a sick person;
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• anyone who cannot attend Mass for reasons beyond their control, because of frailty or advanced age.

In addition, the faithful who wish to receive Holy Communion on the tongue may now officially return to this practice, which is canonically accepted by the Church of Rome.
Likewise, all churches and chapels of Religious Congregations in our archdiocese may now return to the practice of giving the faithful Holy Communion under both species, if they so wish, remembering that no one is permitted to dip his or her own host into the chalice, with the exception of priests and deacons. According to the laws of the Church, everyone must drink directly from the chalice in order to prevent drops of the Precious Blood of Jesus from spilling onto the floor (Redemptionis Sacramentum, nos. 100-107).
May the trials of the recent pandemic lead us to a renewed faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, to a renewal of Sunday as a family day of prayer and rest, and to cultivating in our souls a desire that regards our obligation as the greatest privilege of our faith.
Given at Moncton, New Brunswick, on this 20th day of May, in this year of our Lord, two thousand twenty-four.