An Important Letter from Archbishop Aymond
December 8, 2025
December 8, 2025
To All Clergy, Religious, and Laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans:
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As I write to you, our immigrant sisters and brothers are facing real fear and anxiety in the wake of an increase in immigration enforcement actions. Let me first assure them of my prayerful support in the face of these challenging times. I implore all people of faith and goodwill to join me in prayer for our families and our community and ask on behalf of our immigrant families and communities that we work for real justice and a system that protects and preserves the dignity of the human person and families regardless of where they live or from where they come.
I have been made aware that many of our faithful families have chosen not to leave their homes out of fear of encountering immigration enforcement actions. In light of these circumstances, I am granting a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass for those Catholics rightfully afraid to participate in Mass because of their fear. This dispensation will be valid until the individual Catholic determines it is safe to attend Mass again or this dispensation is revoked or amended.
I encourage those who choose to stay home to gather as a family to spend time in prayer and to perhaps participate virtually in the Celebration of the Eucharist either online or on television. Please continue to pray for our community and for peace as we look ahead with hope to you rejoining us in church and full participation in the Sacraments.
God is faithful. Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, pray for us.
Wishing you God’s blessings, I am,
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans
To All Clergy, Religious, and Laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans:
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As I write to you, our immigrant sisters and brothers are facing real fear and anxiety in the wake of an increase in immigration enforcement actions. Let me first assure them of my prayerful support in the face of these challenging times. I implore all people of faith and goodwill to join me in prayer for our families and our community and ask on behalf of our immigrant families and communities that we work for real justice and a system that protects and preserves the dignity of the human person and families regardless of where they live or from where they come.
I have been made aware that many of our faithful families have chosen not to leave their homes out of fear of encountering immigration enforcement actions. In light of these circumstances, I am granting a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass for those Catholics rightfully afraid to participate in Mass because of their fear. This dispensation will be valid until the individual Catholic determines it is safe to attend Mass again or this dispensation is revoked or amended.
I encourage those who choose to stay home to gather as a family to spend time in prayer and to perhaps participate virtually in the Celebration of the Eucharist either online or on television. Please continue to pray for our community and for peace as we look ahead with hope to you rejoining us in church and full participation in the Sacraments.
God is faithful. Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, pray for us.
Wishing you God’s blessings, I am,
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans
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