There is no obligation to attend Holy Mass if weather and/or road conditions are unsafe
NEWS RELEASE
January 24, 2026
YOUNGSTOWN, OH-The winter storm warning forecasted for this weekend has prompted questions regarding the obligation to attend Holy Mass.
The Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church (Canon 1247) states that on Sundays and other Holy Days of obligation the faithful are obliged to participate in Holy Mass. However, the Church does not expect the impossible, nor does the law require fulfillment of the obligation when doing so would be dangerous.
There is no obligation to attend Holy Mass if weather and/or road conditions are unsafe or make travel dangerous or difficult, placing one’s own life and the lives of others at risk, including those working to clear roadways for safe travel.
Let it be known that in all of our six counties many of our priests travel great distances every weekend to provide the Sacraments to our Faithful. Some of our priests for their own safety may not be able to travel due to the weather. We ask for your understanding in this matter. Despite the inclement weather, Sunday still remains the Lord’s Day. If you are unable to attend Holy Mass, you are encouraged to take some time in prayer for the Lord.
Please contact your local parish for any information on possible changes in the Mass schedule.
FREE PRAYER RESOURCES
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) publishes the daily Mass readings in English, as an audio podcast, with a reflection video, or text in Spanish so the faithful can pray along with the readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The Diocese of Youngstown produces the weekly Our Sunday Mass from St. Columba Cathedral which will air on Facebook and YouTube at 4:00 pm Saturday for those who legitimately cannot attend to participate in spiritual communion. An audio version of the Mass airs on Youngstown radio stations WHOT-FM 101, WYFM-FM 102.9, WQXK-FM 105.1 Sundays at 6:30 a.m. The diocese also provides DVDs of the recorded Mass and mails seasonal Missalettes with the Mass readings to Catholics who are incarcerated, homebound, in nursing homes and other facilities, which can be requested here: http://doy.org/film-mass
Xavier Society for the Blind publishes and distributes FREE audio, Braille and large print Missalettes, Bibles and other inspirational reading for free to blind and visually impaired individuals. Find out more and request resources at https://xaviersocietyfortheblind.org/
