Bishop Edward J. Burns issues response to Governor Abbott’s decision

The governor’s recent decision to remove the mask mandate and open up the state has created concern as to how our churches and schools will respond to the announcement. After consultation with priest representatives, health experts and a review of the most current COVID statistics, at this time I have asked our pastors to continue to adhere to the current protocols we have in place. This includes the dispensation of the Sunday Mass obligation, social distancing and modest church capacity limits. We also expect the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of Dallas to continue to wear masks out of charity and concern for all those around them. I plan to regularly revisit this question as this issue develops, always with an eye on medical statistics, hope for the future and the needs of the faithful in view.

As a way to continue to support the spiritual life of Catholics in these difficult days, Sunday Mass will continue to be broadcast on local television stations sponsored by The Catholic Foundation through the end of 2021.

Statement of Bishop Edward J. Burns on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

The USCCB released a statement on March 2, 2021 concerning the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in order to draw attention to the immoral use of abortion-derived cell lines in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and to guide the faithful concerning reception of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in particular.

I concur with the USCCB’s judgment and reiterate what the USCCB has said: “While we should continue to insist that pharmaceutical companies stop using abortion-derived cell lines, given the world-wide suffering that this pandemic is causing, we affirm again that being vaccinated can be an act of charity that serves the common good.”

View full response from Bishop Burns to Abbott's decision
View FULL Statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
View Phase 3 June 17, 2020 Decree from Bishop Burns