Bishop Robert Gruss of the Diocese of Saginaw will soon reinstate the obligation to attend weekly Masses by lifting the exemption put in place in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The Rev. Joe Griffin, pastor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Midland, reported that in the weeks to come Gruss will also speak about the importance of "practicing our Baptism," and how celebrating the Eucharist is an important part of it. Gruss will also be reminding Catholics of their "greater obligation" of following their Christ-centered conscience— which should guide how Catholics vote in the upcoming election that will shape the future of our nation and world. 

"Whatever we do somehow affects others," Griffin said in his 'A Second's Thought' column published in the parish's Sept. 13 bulletin. "More than anything it affects our relationship with the risen Jesus among us."

Griffin noted that our "informed conscience" helps us understand the importance of "compassion and forgiveness," as Mass teaches us to do so every week.