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 "Phase 2" 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 August 30, 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: June 30, 2020

Click HERE for original Decree
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How often do we hear retired people say they are busier now than before they retired? Even in this time of a pandemic, we find ourselves overwhelmed with activities or crowded in our homes, spending more time together than ever with no escape. We are a culture of busyness, always on the go, burning the candle at both ends, and not resting. In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus is inviting us to change this, by coming to him. He will lighten our burden, and we will find rest in him. In this same way we are called to live in liberty seeking a life in Christ.

On this Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, let us remember in prayer our Diocese of Las Vegas on its 25th Anniversary. Saint John Paul II established this particular Church on 21 March 1995. Later that year, Bishop Walsh was installed as the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Las Vegas on 28 June 1995, the Vigil of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, our Diocesan co-patrons.

Although various celebrations had been planned in this Silver Jubilee Year, the Coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of all of them, including the Diocese of Las Vegas 25th Anniversary Mass originally scheduled for today. While we still cannot pray together in large in-person events, we invite you on this blessed anniversary of our Diocese to pray the Silver Jubilee Prayer for the Diocese of Las Vegas,

In this Silver Jubilee Year for the Diocese of Las Vegas, may the glorious princes of the Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul, help all of us to grow in faith and in holiness of life, as dedicated servants of Jesus Christ the Lord.

 A Silver Jubilee Prayer for the
Diocese of Las Vegas
25 YEARS LIVING THE FAITH
CHRIST YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER

Almighty, ever-living God, In your goodness, you sent your only Son to bring salvation to all people through your Church.

For twenty-five years, your sons and daughters in the Diocese of Las Vegas have been called to live as a community of faith, hope, and love, rooted in Christ.

Pour forth your Holy Spirit on this particular Church, that we may continue the saving work of Jesus Christ through Word, Sacrament, and Service.

May everything we do, both now and in the years to come, be for your glory and for the sanctification of all. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, who is Lord yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

Holy Family - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - Pray for us Saints Peter and Paul - Pray
for us

Dreamers:  We are With You!

On June 18, 2020, the United States Supreme Court issued an opinion that disallowed the Trump Administration from rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. 

In the ruling, the Court noted that the Trump Administration did not follow the proper administrative procedures required to repeal the program.

The Court’s decision provides at least a temporary respite for the nearly 800,000 young people who arrived in the United States as children of undocumented immigrants.

Bishop George Thomas applauded the Court’s decision and echoed the statement issued by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops:

“To DACA Youth, through today’s decision and beyond, we will continue to accompany you and your families.  You are a vital part of our Church and of our Community of Faith.  We are with you.” 

Bishop Thomas stated that he hopes that President Trump will be open to “listen to the majority of Americans urging him to reconsider his opposition to DACA.” 

“Now is the time for Congress to pass long overdue bipartisan legislation that will provide a legal pathway to citizenship for our beloved Dreamers, who already play such a vital role both in Church and American society.”

“At least for now,” the Bishop noted, “our Dreamers can rest a bit more peacefully. Until the day comes when they enjoy the security of citizenship, we will be at their side, both in friendship and in prayer.”

En español

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.

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Bishop George Leo Thomas’ Statement on the
Killing of George Floyd

I join the growing chorus of U.S. Catholic Bishops speaking in one voice as we express our deep sadness over the heartbreaking death of Mr. George Floyd. We urgently pray for the cessation of the violence and destruction which has so sullied the memory of a man who lost his life under tragic and unnecessary circumstances.

We are broken-hearted, sickened, and outraged to watch another video of an African American man being killed before our eyes. The senseless taking of life defies the fundamental principles of justice and respect for human life. We must recognize the fact that all lives are sacred. As Catholics, it is not enough to relegate our concern to only thoughts and prayers. Our Church, at every level, must speak out unequivocally and work against the sin of racism.

As the U.S. Bishops stated in their recent pastoral letter against racism, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love,” people of good will must never turn a blind eye when citizens are being deprived of their human dignity and even their lives. Indifference is not an option. The Bishops of the United States consistently hold that, “It is not a secret that… attacks on human life have severely affected people of color, who are disproportionally affected by poverty, targeted for abortion, have less access to healthcare, have the greatest numbers on death row, and are most likely to feel pressure to end their lives when facing serious illness. As Bishops, we unequivocally state that racism is a life issue” (p. 30).

We plead for an end to the violence in the wake of this tragedy. We support peaceful, non-violent protests and stand in support of those understandably outraged. We pray for comfort for all grieving families and friends. We applaud the majority of law enforcement officers who follow lawful protocols and demonstrate appropriate restraint, often in the face of threats, and we express our profound sorrow to the families of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

As we approach the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, we plead for the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. “With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this wellspring of strength and courage must move us to act. Consequently, we all need to take responsibility for correcting the injustices of racism and healing the harms it has caused” (“Open Wide our Hearts,” p. 23). We challenge everyone, especially those from different cultural backgrounds, to come together peacefully to work toward a society where justice, peace, and charity may be shared by children of the same Creator.

Asking God’s abundant blessings upon our Diocese, City, State, and Nation, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Bishop George Leo Thomas
Bishop of Las Vegas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22, 2020

DIOCESE OF LAS VEGAS TO FOLLOW GUIDANCE OF RESTORATION COUNCIL FOR REOPENING

Las Vegas, NV—Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., the Bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas, said today that while he is pleased that houses of worship have been deemed essential services by the federal government, the reopening of the parishes of the Diocese of Las Vegas will be led by its Diocesan Restoration Council.

“I established the Council to ensure the safe and systematic reopening of our parishes in a manner that follows and respects the guidelines and limitations provided by health officials and the State of Nevada. It is essential that we are mindful of necessary precautions and safety recommendations for the health and well-being of all of our people,” Bishop Thomas said.

The Diocese of Las Vegas is currently under a discontinuance order until May 31, 2020.

The Diocesan Restoration Council is chaired by Mr. John Kilduff, President of Bishop Gorman High School and is comprised of representatives from a wide array of disciplines including medical, gaming, education, civic, law enforcement, engineering, logistics and pastoral ministry.

The Council has met several times and is working on an established set of protocols based on guidance and recommendations that have been made available to date. They will be taking this new development and guidance under advisement and will be working to finalize plans for the reopening of parishes.

Further announcements will be made once the plans have been finalized to include timing.

April 24, 2020

Dear Fathers and Parish Administrators,

During the past six weeks, my office has carefully monitored the medical metrics related to the COVID- 19 pandemic and its effects related to the population of Southern Nevada. As of today, the Southern Nevada Health District reported another 96 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 13 deaths overnight in Clark County. This latest report brings our State tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,208, with 3,314 residing in Clark County.

In light of this information, I have decided that our Discontinuance Order will be extended until May 31, 2020, and revisited at that time. Read more

Pope Francis Prays for Las Vegas
Click HERE

Bishop Thomas visits Catholic Charities Encountering the Gospel 
Click HERE