parishioners, said John Andrews, director of communications for the Diocese of San Bernardino. Agents also took one male parishioner into custody at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Montclair the same day, Andrews said.

As of Wednesday, there has been no other ICE activity at churches “that the diocese is aware of,” Andrews said. He noted that Rojas’ decree was “definitely the first dispensation that is immigration-related.”

In his decree, Rojas cited “pastoral needs of our diocese” and “concerns expressed by many of our brothers and sisters regarding fears of attending Mass due to potential immigration enforcement actions by civil authorities.”

The decree acknowledges that this fear “constitutes a grave inconvenience that may impede the spiritual good of the faithful.” Under Catholic Canon Law, a bishop is able to excuse churchgoers from attending Sunday Masses and holy days of obligation. It allows people to be exempt from going to church and receiving Holy Communion until the decree is revoked or amended.

The Diocese of San Bernardino issued a similar “special dispensation” to local Catholics in March 2020, freeing them of Mass obligations as the coronavirus pandemic hit.

The bishop also encouraged alternative spiritual practices for the faithful to “maintain their spiritual communion with Christ.” Examples include Scripture readings, personal prayer, rosary devotions and participating in televised or livestreamed church Masses.

“In issuing this decree, I am guided by the Church’s mission to care for the spiritual welfare of all entrusted to my care, particularly those who face fear or hardship,” Rojas said. “I entrust this diocese to the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, and invoke God’s blessing upon all the faithful.”

Jarryd Gonzales, a spokesperson with the Diocese of Orange, said Wednesday that there is no dispensation being offered to Orange County Catholics, but that the diocese “remains deeply committed to supporting our Catholic community during this heightened concern surrounding immigration enforcement actions.” In June, diocesan leaders issued a statement urging federal lawmakers to advance comprehensive immigration reform while encouraging the faithful to “remain calm, faithful and peaceful in response to these challenges.”

Orange County priests have brought Holy Communion and celebrated Mass for those in fear of leaving their homes, Gonzales said Wednesday.

Officials from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In early June, as widespread immigration sweeps were first reported throughout the Los Angeles region, L.A. Archbishop José H. Gomez took part in a peaceful prayer vigil at City Hall with other faith leaders, urging protection for immigrant families and calling for an end to the raids. In a message to the faithful, Gomez echoed that fears of detention and deportation are “causing panic in our parishes and communities.” He also supported the government’s plan to deport known terrorists and violent criminals, while respecting the right to due process.

All three Southern California dioceses have issued guidance for their diverse churches and Catholic schools to be able to respond to immigration enforcement operations.

As anxiety deepens, many parish communities are offering immigration workshops, partnering with legal and advocacy groups, and providing spiritual and pastoral support to immigrants at court hearings, home or church settings.

The Diocese of San Bernardino offers immigration resources for communities, including Know Your Rights workshops and handouts, recommendations for parishes should federal immigration officers show up, and partnerships with immigrant-rights coalitions. For more information go to www.sbdio cese.org/about/immigration.cfm.