01/25/2026
Message from Bishop O'Donnell Regarding Inclement Weather and Mass Attendance
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.
As inclement weather affects parts of our region, I write to offer pastoral guidance regarding our obligation to attend Sunday Mass and our shared responsibility to safeguard human life.
The Church teaches that the faithful are ordinarily obliged to participate in Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2180). This obligation flows from our love of God and the importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church.
At the same time, the Catechism and the Code of Canon Law also make clear that serious reasons excuse one from this obligation, including illness or circumstances that make attendance unsafe (cf. CCC, no. 2181, CIC can. 1248 §2). Dangerous travel conditions caused by snow, ice, flooding, or other severe weather may constitute such a serious reason.
No one should place themselves or others at undue risk in order to attend Mass. Personal safety is a moral responsibility, and prudence must guide your decision. I strongly urge the faithful of the Diocese of Jefferson City to comply with guidance from local municipal authorities and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) regarding travel advisories and road conditions.
Those who are unable to attend Mass due to inclement weather are encouraged to sanctify the Lord’s Day in other appropriate ways: by prayer at home, either individually or as a family, reading Sacred Scripture, or making a spiritual communion (CIC can. 1248 §2).
Pastors may make local decisions regarding the cancellation of Masses or parish activities based on conditions in their area. Please monitor parish communications and exercise good judgment.
Let us pray for one another’s safety, for those who must travel or work in difficult conditions, especially our first responders, and that the Lord will grant us wisdom, patience, and peace.
Entrusting you to the care of Our Lord and the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
✠ Ralph B. O’Donnell
Bishop of Jefferson City
Diocese of Jefferson City
📸: St. Mary in Shelbina taken by Father Bill Peckman
