Bishop Mark Bartchak has issued the following message in advance of the winter storm predicted in Central Pennsylvania this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe winter weather warning for Central Pennsylvania. Severe winter weather is expected to occur Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26. Significant snowfall and high winds are expected. Public safety officials advise against unnecessary travel.

This storm will likely prevent attendance at Sunday Mass at parishes. Church law states that if participation in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration is impossible for a grave cause, Catholics are dispensed/excused from the obligation to participate at Sunday Mass in person. The expected severe weather conditions are a grave cause.

If the faithful are prevented from attending Sunday Mass in person, they should at least view the live Proclaim! TV Mass from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown at 11:00 a.m. Other televised Masses may be found on EWTN, which usually televises Mass more than once per day. If a TV Mass is not available, the faithful are to spend some time in prayer and reading Sacred Scripture at home.