End to State Mandates Requiring Masks

To: Clergy and Parishes

From: Msgr. Albert A. Kenney, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
Date: February 9, 2022
RE: End to Mask Mandates in Rhode Island

Good afternoon,

Today, Governor McKee announced a Friday, February 11 end to state mandates requiring masks and/or proof of vaccination for most indoor venues across the State of Rhode Island, which includes all churches.

Throughout the pandemic the Diocese of Providence has followed state and health department guidance and directives on coronavirus precautions. In accordance with the state's updated policy, Catholic churches and other indoor venues in the Diocese of Providence will not require masks or vaccination proof for attendance at Mass and any other events or gatherings—with the exception of schools which are governed by different requirements.

Catholic schools in the diocese should continue to observe their current policies and precautions until further guidance is received.

Individuals who choose to continue to wear masks at church should not be singled out or discouraged from doing so.

Once again, let us recall Bishop Tobin's call to prayer from his December 15 statement on mask mandates: "Let us renew our fervent prayers that Almighty God will lift this terrible pandemic from our midst and will give healing, comfort and peace to all."