Faithful Dispensed From Sunday Obligation This Weekend

As recent weather forecasts put Hurricane Irma on a northward path that covers more than half of the diocese, and in light of mandatory evacuations that have been issued in some areas, Bishop Bill has dispensed the faithful from their Sunday obligation this weekend.

“I am dispensing the faithful in our diocese from the Sunday obligation this weekend,” said Bishop Bill who issued a statement Saturday, September 9.  “If you live in an area that is not under mandatory evacuation orders and your local church has Mass available, you may, of course, attend as usual. The most important thing right now is the safety of our people, our neighbors, and all those who are driving through our area right now seeking shelter.”

As of Saturday, a hurricane watch had been issued for much of the Eastern Deanery, including Tallahassee and all of Leon County. A tropical storm watch was in effect as far east as Panama City in the East-Central Deanery.

“The most important thing is for people to be safe,” said Bishop Bill. “If there is a mandatory evacuation in a certain area, it is my strong recommendation that people follow that advice and go somewhere safe ahead of the storm.”

There are no shelter-approved church or school buildings in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.  However, there are many state-approved shelters that have been opened in the western panhandle, including public schools and many of the universities. Weather forecasts show strong winds and thunderstorms, but no watches or warnings, for the Northwest, Southwest, and West-Central Deaneries, including Pensacola. For shelter information in the Pensacola area go here.