Dispensation Lifted Beginning May 1

Beginning this weekend, Bishop Dewane has lifted the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. At the same time, please note this obligation does not apply to those who are ill, confined to their home, hospital or nursing facility, as well as those who care for them; those who believe they may have recently been exposed to COVID-19; those with underlying health conditions or are in a high-risk category; and those who have reasonable fear or anxiety of becoming ill.

The Diocese’s revised guidelines adjust safety protocols to acknowledge that most Catholics can now return to in-person worship at their Parish churches. You may read the Bishop's letter and the guidelines HERE. If you have any questions about the implementation of the guidelines here at St. Thomas More, please call the Parish Office 941-923-1961.

For all who will be attending Mass in person, please review the updated guidelines for attendance at Mass. For your safety and the safety of others, please follow these rules:

• Masks continue to be required at all times while inside the church.
• Three feet of distance is required between people not from the same household. To that end, all pews will be open but seating will be staggered. Please do not sit directly in front of or directly behind another person.
• There will be no contact during the Sign of Peace or hand holding during the Lord’s Prayer with anyone outside of your household.
• If you receive Holy Communion on the tongue, we ask that you go the priest’s Communion line. If you need assistance on where to line up, ask a Hospitality Minister for help.
• Please take your bulletin/worship aid home with you after Mass.
• After Mass, please do not gather in the Church to visit. You are encouraged to do so outside the Church building.

We we look forward to seeing you at Mass and thank you for your ongoing cooperation in following these guidelines. Together we will continue to keep St. Thomas More a safe and healthy place to gather for prayer and worship.

Click the image above for this weekend's Mass. 

Mass Schedule

Daily Mass 
Monday - Saturday
8:00am

Confession
Saturday at 3:00pm

Saturday Vigil Mass
4:00pm

Sunday Masses
8:00am
10:00am
12:00pm