For Immediate Release
Oregon Catholics
P.O. Box 468
Gervais, OR 97026
Contact: Colleen Beyer
E-mail: oregoncatholics@protonmail.com
Phone: 503-551-4225
Archbishop Alexander K. Sample
Issues Clarifying Memo on the Implementation of Mask Mandate:
Medical Conditions and Medical Concerns Are to Be Accommodated
Archdiocese of Portland, OR — Archbishop Alexander K. Sample has issued a clarifying memo on the implementation of the mask mandate in the Archdiocese of Portland, OR. Issued March 24, 2021, the memo states that not only those with "medical conditions," but also those with "medical concerns," are to be accommodated, and that they are not to be further interrogated once they express that they have legitimate medical reasons for not masking.
The memo was issued shortly after a representative of Oregon Catholics personally met with Archbishop Sample to present a petition, signed by hundreds of parishioners, for the relaxation of secular mandates in our churches (such as masking). His Excellency was informed of the grave abuses that have gone on in the Archdiocese of Portland. These abuses have resulted in the expulsion and harassment of the faithful who do not mask.
Archbishop Sample expressed disappointment and embarrassment at the way the laity have been treated in the Archdiocese of Portland over the past winter and fall. He also conveyed his gratitude for bringing the matter to his attention.
The Oregon Catholic representative who met with His Excellency said, "In all, I was astonished by the outcome of the meeting. It was apparent that he had not known about our plight and was very sympathetic. This entire issue of 'the faithful in good standing being turned away' has happened against his wishes. It should be restated that he was upset to hear this was the case and he was genuinely grateful to have been made aware, as he otherwise would not have.
"The 'November letter' from His Excellency to the priests and business managers of the archdiocese, if strongly worded, was not intended to prevent those with health concerns from attending Mass. He is sorry to hear that it has been used for such an end."
While there does not exist at this time in the Archdiocese of Portland an exemption for those with philosophical objections to secular mandates, Archbishop Sample's memo should go a long way in ensuring the charitable treatment of those who express medical and health reasons for not masking. In addition, those members of the faithful who have been struggling physically with wearing a mask, but who do not have a doctor's note, need no longer be afraid or stressed about attending Mass.
