Athens Catholic Community

Information on Mass Attendance and Severe Weather:

The Diocese of Steubenville encourages the faithful to exercise prudential judgment in deciding if it is safe enough to drive to Mass this weekend as we prepare for projected severe winter weather. One’s own safety and the safety of others is a most important matter.

Severe weather (such as is in the forecast) would constitute a grave cause that makes it impossible for the faithful to participate in the celebration of Mass (see canon 1248 §2). Because of the impossibility, the faithful are excused from the Sunday obligation.

You may attend a Saturday evening Vigil Mass if the severe weather has not yet begun at that time and it is possible for you to do so. If you are unable to participate in Sunday Mass, Catholics should devote some time on Sunday at home to worshiping God, including such possibilities as reading Scripture, silent meditation, praying the Rosary, family prayer, and other forms of prayer. Watching the Mass online or on television and making a spiritual communion is also encouraged.

Please contact your local parish for any information on possible changes in the liturgy schedule for the weekend.

Today, 15 students made their First Confession as they prepare to make their first Communion later this spring. The students and their parents gathered for a retreat to learn more about Jesus the Good Shepherd who sets out to bring the lost sheep home. Fr. Mark and Mr. Brett role-played confession so students could see what to expect, and students made lambs that featured some of their personality traits to assist them in the confessional. The lambs returned to the pasture with Christ the Good Shepherd after the students went to confession.