Columbus Catholics are not required to attend Mass if they are afraid of being kidnapped by ICE

Cross post from Ohio group


Source-https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/1pu8fcz/columbus_catholics_are_not_required_to_attend/


Second sourcehttps://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2025/12/23/columbus-catholics-who-fear-ice-excused-from-mass-bishop-says/87902532007/

Snip-The bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus is excusing parishioners from the obligation to attend Mass during the Christmas season during heightened operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"Recent days have seen an increase in immigration enforcement in the diocese of Columbus, causing an increase of fear and anxiety in our immigrant communities. The increased presence of federal agents in proximity to our churches and schools is creating an atmosphere of fear, rather than security and peace which we all desire," Bishop Earl Fernandes wrote in a letter and announced on social media Dec. 23

The "dispensation" from the obligation to go to Mass and participate in holy days applies to anyone who fears being detained - regardless whether they have legal status or not - through the end of the Christmas season on Jan. 11."

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