Masks are currently not required in any indoor setting in any area jurisdiction.
The CDC has also issued new advisory guidelines, which now classify the COVID-19 Community Level for the District and for Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties as low. The CDC recommendation for these areas is: “Wear a mask based on your personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk.”
The use of masks by ordinary and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion will continue to be optional during the distribution in all jurisdictions of the archdiocese. This decision was made due to the plummeting caseloads as well as the high vaccination rates. However, in making their decisions on masking for distribution of Holy Communion, pastors should be sensitive to the needs of the parishioners, deacons, and other ministers to understand that some recipients of Holy Communion may feel more comfortable if ministers wear a mask during distribution.
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass during the pandemic was lifted effective June 26, 2021. Read the joint statement from Cardinal Gregory and the bishops of the Province of Baltimore.