Archdiocese of Indianapolis excuses certain Catholics from Sunday Mass

Archbishop Charles Thompson of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has issued a decree dispensing certain Catholics from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. The directive, released in Spanish, applies to individuals residing in the Archdiocese who have “reasonable grounds to fear detention, separation from their families, or intimidation due to the intensification of immigration enforcement measures.”

Thompson noted that the dispensation applies even to those possessing appropriate legal documentation. The decision follows increased immigration enforcement activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Indiana and Ohio. In a statement, the Archbishop expressed concern regarding the impact of enforcement on families, stating that the sudden separation of parents and children is “gravely concerning.”

The decree is currently in effect until the end of the month, with the possibility of an extension.