Catholics in the Diocese of Trenton have been given an exemption from the obligation to attend Mass this weekend as a blizzard bears down on New Jersey. Watch video
Catholics in the Diocese of Trenton have been given an exemption from the obligation to attend Mass this weekend as a blizzard bears down on New Jersey.
Trenton Bishop David M. O'Connell issued the dispensation Friday for obligations on Saturday and Sunday due to the snowstorm predictions.
O'Connell said members of the parishes in the diocese - which covers Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties - are urged to share news of the dispensation, especially the elderly.
In the Camden diocese, though, the obligation remains intact regardless of the approaching snow storm, the diocese says on its website.
The Camden diocese - which covers six southern counties - urges parishioners to be cautious and make an informed decision.
"If a Catholic believes that venturing outside to go to Mass is unsafe for themselves or their family, they are free to make the carefully considered decision to stay home," the statement says.
Camden churches will keep to the regular Mass schedule for those who are able to attend Mass, the statement says.
In the Diocese of Metuchen, spokeswoman Erin Friedlander said Bishop Paul Gregory Bootkoski's position is that no one is ever obliged to attend Mass under circumstances that might be hazardous.
"All the faithful of the diocese are encouraged to use their best judgement and, therefore, stay at home when weather conditions dictate that roads and parking lots could be unsafe," Friedlander said.
The Metuchen diocese is comprised of Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties.
The dioceses of Newark and Paterson have made no statements about Mass obligations this weekend.
About 3.2 million New Jersey residents are Catholic.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.