The group released the following statement: “While commending our pastors and pastoral life coordinators who have gone to great lengths to assure safe worship spaces in our churches, due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in our state, the Indiana bishops have decided to extend the dispensation from the obligations of Sunday Mass attendance beyond August 15 until November 1, 2020, unless further developments determine otherwise.” In the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana our diocesan and parish staffs have gone to great lengths to implement policies and procedures to ensure safe worship spaces. Bishop Timothy Doherty explained that he was confident local parishes would continue to practice social distancing and safety protocols so that public Mass and the sharing of the spiritual gifts of the Church may continue. “To be dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not mean people should stay away from Church or fail to keep holy the Lord’s Day. We continue to invite each of you to prayerfully consider attending Mass with your parish family. In this way you may more fully experience the gift that Jesus gives us in the Eucharist and the life of grace.” The diocese encourages those who have been away to contact their local parish to learn of the various protocols that have been put in place for their safety.