Harrisburg Bishop Says It’s Acceptable to Miss Mass During Winter Storm
As a significant winter storm approaches central Pennsylvania, the Bishop of Harrisburg is urging Catholics to prioritize safety over travel to Sunday Mass. Bishop Timothy Senior issued guidance acknowledging that hazardous conditions may make it impossible—or unsafe—for parishioners to attend services in person.
In a message circulated ahead of the storm, Bishop Senior emphasized that while Catholics are ordinarily obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days, that obligation assumes a person can reasonably and safely do so. If state or local officials declare a snow emergency or if road conditions deteriorate to the point that travel becomes dangerous, the bishop noted that the obligation is lifted.
He encouraged the faithful to participate through televised or livestreamed Masses when weather prevents in‑person attendance, and to observe Sunday through personal or family prayer at home…