Bishop Dispenses Mass Obligation Amid Deportation Fears

In our largest county, a bishop has released Catholics from the obligation to attend mass due to concerns over potential deportations.

Bishop Alberto Rojas made this announcement on Tuesday, indicating that parishioners facing genuine fears regarding deportation can opt out of attending services. He referenced Canon Law, which allows such exemptions for spiritual welfare.

“Attendance at our major Spanish-speaking parishes has decreased by around 50%,” he noted.

This decision applies to all members of the San Bernardino parish who cannot attend services on Sundays because of valid fears regarding immigration enforcement activities. “This adjustment allows them the comfort of not having to fulfill this obligation,” he explained.

The bishop encouraged those affected to engage in “alternative” spiritual activities, which may include personal prayer, Bible reading, or watching mass online.

Rojas, originally from Mexico, became the Bishop of San Bernardino County in 2019. Rick Musacchio, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Catholic Conference, shared insights on the broader impact immigration enforcement has had on mass attendance in several parishes.

Musacchio observed, “The public attendance in major Spanish-speaking parishes has dropped significantly, around 50%, likely due to fears surrounding immigration.” He continued that in Nashville, Catholics may miss mass if they are concerned about deportation.

“Our churches are open to welcome everyone, but if attending poses a risk to safety, then attending mass isn’t obligatory,” he stated.

Relatedly, there’s been a notable rise in federal deportation efforts since the recent passage of a Republican budget bill, which could further escalate these fears within communities.