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Monsignor Greg: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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 “All you need is love”. While the lyrics of a popular song may seem to echo the Gospel, our Lord’s words today teach us much more of the truth of Love:
• that in the order of Love, Love begins in God.
• that the human person, a creature of heart, mind, and immortal soul, is restless until he rests in God’s love.
• that in our world, marred by sin, love can become disordered and devolve into selfishness without the healing love of God.
May the Lord’s great commandments and teachings today free us, and help to open our souls to the transforming God of Love!
The Mass will be available Saturday,
October 24, at 2:30 pm. Click HERE
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In Fox 5 Interview: Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D. says Pope's comments won't change church position (click image below)
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Bishop Thomas’ Reflection on Pope Francis’
“Civil Unions” Statement Click HERE
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Bishop Thomas Extends Dispensation from the Obligation of Mass
DECREE
Dispensation from the Obligation to Attend Mass
Extension - October 25, 2020 through November 29, 2020
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While I have granted permission to begin the
reopening of public Masses, due to the ongoing gravity of the present
moment and the restrictions being placed on us during the civil
reopening plan, I hereby extend the dispensation for all
Catholic faithful of
the Diocese of Las Vegas and those Catholics visiting within
the geographic boundaries of our Diocese, from the obligation of
attending Sunday Masses up to and including November 29, 2020.
While we recognize that many are
eager to return to Mass in our churches, it remains important for those
who are elderly and otherwise at risk to refrain from returning to
public Liturgies until it is manifestly safe to do so. For all the
faithful, especially those who are sick, at high risk of becoming sick,
and their caregivers, the obligation to
attend Sunday Mass is hereby dispensed.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Revered George L. Thomas, Ph.D.
Bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas
Date: October 22, 2020
Click HERE for original Decree
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2020 Elections and Catholic Social Teaching
Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D.
Click HERE
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Elecciones 2020 y enseñanzas sociales católicas
Obispo George Leo Thomas, Ph.D. Leer en español
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September 30, 2020
Dear Faithful of the Diocese of Las Vegas:
Yesterday we received official notice from Governor Steve Sisolak that Houses of Worship have been given permission to congregate in greater numbers – 250 attendees per gathering or fifty-percent (50%) of posted capacity, whichever is less. This 250 does not include clergy, ministers at the altar, staff, or volunteers working at the gathering. The Governor is also allowing churches to gather in additional on-site venues, provided there is no danger of cross-pollination of the COVID virus.
These more expansive numbers reflect the favorable medical metrics resulting from the public’s cooperation with the preventive and precautionary measures outlined by health officials. The new mandate is effective 12:01 AM, Thursday, October 1, 2020. In a letter to Governor Sisolak dated September 11, 2020, I once again assured the Governor that the Diocese of Las Vegas would continue to strictly observe the guidelines that were issued by our own Diocesan Restoration Advisory Council.
It is still incumbent upon all of us to continue to observe the strict protocols that are currently in place, including:
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• Screening temperatures
• Mandatory wearing of masks
• Limited congregational/choral singing
• No physical contact during the Sign of Peace
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• Hand sanitizing
• Social distancing
• No Communion from the Chalice
• Disinfecting between Masses
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We will continue our current registration practices in order to comply with the approved capacity limits. The Dispensation from the obligation of Sunday Mass remains in effect through October 25, 2020 as these new numbers still do not allow for full capacity, and as we want to protect the elderly and medically vulnerable members of our parish families.
On behalf of the faithful of the
Diocese of Las Vegas, I want to express our gratitude to Governor
Sisolak, our State health experts, and County Commissioners for all they
have done to lead us to the present moment, and to safeguard the health
of our communities well into the future
Asking God’s abundant blessings upon you and your communities, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend George L. Thomas, Ph.D.
Bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas
Click HERE for original Letter
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Freed missionary priest recounts harrowing tale of kidnapping
By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
 VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With his feet chained during two years of captivity somewhere near the Sahara Desert, Father Pierluigi Maccalli said he found new hope on Pentecost Sunday as he huddled near a shortwave radio to listen to Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.
In an interview Oct. 15 with Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Father Maccalli, a member of the Society of African Missions, remembered the joy he felt at hearing the first celebration of Mass since his kidnapping in 2018.
"To my great surprise, I heard Pope Francis in Italian; I put my ear closer and tuned the radio and I found myself at the beginning of the Pentecost Mass in communion with the pope, the church and the world. I said to myself, 'Today I am in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and at the same time on mission in Africa,'" he said. Read more.
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'Black lives matter!' says Las Vegas bishop in pastoral on racism
By Catholic News Service
LAS VEGAS (CNS) -- The "tragic death" of George Floyd, an African American killed while in the custody of a white police officer, "has torn the scab away from the gaping wound of racism that still infects communities across the globe," said Bishop George L. Thomas of Las Vegas.
He made the comments in a pastoral letter, "When Words Fall Short: A Pastoral Letter on Racism," issued June 10.
"What is needed in this critical moment is a genuine conversion of heart and a commitment to renew our communities," Bishop Thomas said. "The words of Pope Francis ring true in our hearts: 'Let no one think that this invitation is not meant for him or her.'" Read more.
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Leer en español
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WHEN WORDS FALL SHORT
A PASTORAL LETTER ON RACISM
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Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D.
Diocese of Las Vegas
June 10, 2020
The tragic and inhumane death of
Mr. George Floyd has enraged the nation and galvanized people across the
globe to cry out together for justice in his name.
In fewer than nine minutes, we
witnessed breathtaking footage of an unarmed black man receiving capital
punishment for a petty crime, pleading for his life while crying out
those infamous words that haunt the soul of this nation. “I can’t
breathe.” Read more
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Bishop George Leo Thomas’ Statement on the
Killing of George Floyd Click HERE.
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Bishop Thomas' (DACA) Dreamers: We are With You! June 18, 2020 Click HERE.
Pope Francis Prays for Las Vegas April 02, 2020 Click HERE
Bishop Thomas visits Catholic Charities Encountering the Gospel
Click HERE
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Diocese of Las Vegas COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Bishop Thomas' Letters
COVID-19 News Updates
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Bishop Thomas' 2020 CSA Reflection
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