A Corpus Christi bishop called Catholics back to Mass. San Antonio worshipers are still excused.

Although a Corpus Christi bishop has called Catholics back to Mass, the San Antonio archbishop continues to excuse his parishioners from the obligation to attend.

Both dioceses had freed their faithful from the obligation because of the dangers posed by COVID-19. But Bishop Michael Mulvey of Corpus Christi said all Catholics, with some exceptions, should attend Mass beginning Sunday.

“We are obligated as Catholic Christians to be at the Eucharist on Sunday, which has been going on for 2,000 years,” Mulvey told KRIS 6 News. “[I ended the dispensation period] to make it a little more formal.”

In San Antonio, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller suspended public Masses on March 13.

While churches welcomed parishioners back for in-person services in May, he encouraged elderly and high-risk individuals to stay home and watch Mass on Catholic Television or online.

The archbishop’s dispensation freeing Catholics from the obligation to attend Mass remains in place.

“I do strongly encourage parishioners to come back to Mass with their community if they are able,” García-Siller wrote in a letter to parishioners on Oct. 16. “However, I emphasize that if you are ill, do not come to church.

“Any parishioners who are uncomfortable attending Sunday Mass due to the coronavirus or safety measures implemented at their parish are excused from the obligation to attend. “

The archbishop wrote that the safety measures — including social distancing, sanitizing and requiring masks in church — have led to a low rate of infection. A diocese spokesperson did not have case counts immediately available Friday.

García-Siller urged Catholics to keep their guard up with flu season and colder weather approaching. Parishes must return to their pre-pandemic Mass schedules, he wrote, while continuing to live-stream liturgies.

“While this dispensation is extended, the faithful need to continue to tend to their spiritual lives,” the archbishop wrote. “If unable to attend Mass, Catholics are encouraged to make a ‘spiritual communion.'”