Beginning with Pentecost, Sunday, May 23, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will resume its full “pre-pandemic” Sunday Mass schedule. In addition, the National Shrine will reintroduce two daily Masses and Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as expand the availability of Confession by one hour Monday through Saturday.
“With the District of Columbia lifting capacity restrictions for Houses of Worship effective May 21, we thought that Pentecost, which is traditionally referred to as the ‘Birthday of the Church,’ would be a most perfect opportunity for Mary’s Shrine to enhance its schedule,” said Msgr. Walter Rossi, rector of the National Shrine. “We hope that as we seek to return to our normal operations without restriction, we will be able to better serve the faithful who come to Mary’s Shrine.”
Sunday Mass, beginning with Pentecost Sunday, May 23, will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. (Saturday Vigil), 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon (livestreamed), 2:30 p.m. (Spanish, livestreamed), and 4:30 p.m. Livestreamed Masses can be viewed online at www.nationalshrine.org/mass.
Beginning Monday, May 24, daily Mass will be celebrated Monday through Friday at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 12:10 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. Masses on Saturday will be celebrated at 7 a.m., 8 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. The 4:30 pm Mass on Saturday will remain the Vigil Mass for Sunday.
Also on May 24, Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament will resume Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on First Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Benediction will follow all times of Exposition.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be expanded one hour beginning May 24 and will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Saturday.
The National Shrine will not require proof of vaccination; however, face masks must be worn at all times and social distancing measures will remain in effect. Advance registration is requested for Sunday, Holy Day, and other special Masses at www.nationalshrine.org/mass-registration.
For more information, www.nationalshrine.org.
