Recent Updates
Pews will return to normal beginning the weekend of June 5/6 and no masks will be required for those who are vaccinated.
Dispensation from Mass
As we move beyond the worst of the coronavirus pandemic and access to the COVID-19 vaccine has become more widespread, the time has arrived for the good of all the faithful when the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is no longer necessary.
Together, the Bishops of Ohio have decided that the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (including the Saturday/Vigil Mass) is to be reinstated (CIC, can. 1247). This will take effect in each of the Dioceses of Ohio the weekend of June 5-6, 2021. As has always been the case, those who have a serious reason are exempt from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181). This includes those who are ill, have significant health risk factors or care for someone who is immuno-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety of contracting the coronavirus in a large group of persons. Nevertheless, these persons should observe the Lord’s Day (CIC, can. 1247) and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday, meditating on the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection; an appropriate way to do this is through viewing a broadcast of the Sunday Mass. Masses that are broadcast through various media are not intended as a substitute nor do they fulfill the obligation for the persons who are able to gather for a Sunday celebration and other Holy Days of Obligation. Instead, they are intended for the sick, home-bound, the imprisoned, etc., who are unable to attend Mass in person.
Mask Mandate
The CDC has announced that the statewide mask mandate will be over on June 2. It is still recommended by the CDC that those who have not been vaccinated continue to wear masks and remain socially distant in public spaces. Please continue to show care for others by not joining us on weekends when you are feeling ill.
Dispensation from Mass
As we move beyond the worst of the coronavirus pandemic and access to the COVID-19 vaccine has become more widespread, the time has arrived for the good of all the faithful when the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is no longer necessary.
Together, the Bishops of Ohio have decided that the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (including the Saturday/Vigil Mass) is to be reinstated (CIC, can. 1247). This will take effect in each of the Dioceses of Ohio the weekend of June 5-6, 2021. As has always been the case, those who have a serious reason are exempt from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181). This includes those who are ill, have significant health risk factors or care for someone who is immuno-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety of contracting the coronavirus in a large group of persons. Nevertheless, these persons should observe the Lord’s Day (CIC, can. 1247) and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday, meditating on the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection; an appropriate way to do this is through viewing a broadcast of the Sunday Mass. Masses that are broadcast through various media are not intended as a substitute nor do they fulfill the obligation for the persons who are able to gather for a Sunday celebration and other Holy Days of Obligation. Instead, they are intended for the sick, home-bound, the imprisoned, etc., who are unable to attend Mass in person.
Mask Mandate
The CDC has announced that the statewide mask mandate will be over on June 2. It is still recommended by the CDC that those who have not been vaccinated continue to wear masks and remain socially distant in public spaces. Please continue to show care for others by not joining us on weekends when you are feeling ill.
Welcome to St. John Church! We are happy to have you with us.
There are two ways to join us for Mass:
1. Join us online
Those who wish to participate in Mass and receive Holy Communion can do so by attending Mass any day of the week, except Friday, which is a communion service.
If you are ill or unable to attend Mass in person, we have many ways for you to stay connected with St. John online while we navigate this pandemic together:
1. You can find each Mass on StreamSpot.
1. You can find each Mass on StreamSpot.
Here you can watch Mass LIVE on your computer or smartphone!
Monday-Thursday 8:30am | Friday Comm Service 8:30am | Saturday 5:00pm | Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am
Monday-Thursday 8:30am | Friday Comm Service 8:30am | Saturday 5:00pm | Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am
2. You can watch the weekend Masses on Facebook Live for the 5pm Saturday Mass and the 9am Sunday Mass.
Be sure to follow St. John the Evangelist Church, West Chester on Facebook.
Be sure to follow St. John the Evangelist Church, West Chester on Facebook.
3. You can find the 5pm Saturday Mass recording as well as each weekday Mass uploaded to our YouTube channel.
Be sure to follow St. John the Evangelist West Chester on YouTube.
Be sure to follow St. John the Evangelist West Chester on YouTube.
2. Join us in-person!
We are so happy to have you back! We will see you this weekend at Mass!
You are welcome to continue to wear your mask if that makes you feel safe. Also, we ask those who are ill (with any contagious illness) to refrain from attending Mass until you are well. Let's love and protect each other respectfully!
You are welcome to continue to wear your mask if that makes you feel safe. Also, we ask those who are ill (with any contagious illness) to refrain from attending Mass until you are well. Let's love and protect each other respectfully!