CHARLOTTE — Severe winter storms are prompting Masses to be changed or canceled for a second weekend in a row, and Bishop Michael Martin is dispensing the faithful from their Sunday Mass obligation for Jan. 31-Feb. 1.
The announcement is the second in two weeks, as the Carolinas are battered by severe winter weather that last weekend blanketed the region with ice, and this weekend is expected to bring 4-8 inches of snow and high winds in what forecasters call a "bomb cyclone."
The National Weather Service has again issued multiple winter storm warnings for the Carolinas, effective from Friday evening to Sunday morning.
Accumulations of snow and ice are expected – making driving conditions treacherous and widespread power outages likely, especially in areas that do not typically see significant snowfall. Hurricane-force winds will cause blizzard-like conditions. The snow is expected to linger because temperatures remain below freezing.
Parishioners should check their parish’s website and social media channels for cancelations or modified schedules to this weekend’s services, as well as online offertory options. Do not travel if conditions are dangerous in your area.
In an email Friday to clergy, Monsignor Patrick WInslow, the diocese's vicar general and chancellor, urged pastors to consider the safety and well-being of all as they consider canceling or adjusting their Saturday Vigil and Sunday Mass schedules.
"Please be careful, cautious, and prudent as you plan for this upcoming weekend and the days that follow. Do not overlook your own personal safety," he wrote.
Parishes, ministries and schools are canceling most events, including the Kennedy Lecture at St. Peter Church in Charlotte. Organizers said they will reschedule in the coming weeks.
The Mass for Rite of Acolyte and Affirmation of Promises by Deacons, originally set for Saturday morning at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.
— Catholic News Herald