Press Release
GREEN BAY, Wis. (Aug. 28, 2020) – On Sunday, September 6, 2020, Bishop David Ricken will again celebrate Sunday Mass on broadcast television which will air throughout the Diocese of Green Bay.
“I am extremely pleased to announce that after hearing from so many viewers, the television broadcast of Sunday morning Mass will resume on WFRV Local 5 on September 6 at 10:30 a.m.,” said Bishop Ricken. “We hope this broadcast will help reach those who are homebound, as well as those in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, or anywhere else where getting to church isn’t an option. I offer my sincere thanks to WFRV Local 5 for their willingness to continue broadcasting Sunday Mass, especially during these difficult times.”
The September 6 Mass at 10:30 a.m. will be one hour in length to invite viewers back. Each Sunday following, Mass will be broadcast at 10:00 a.m. on WFRV Local 5. The broadcast Sunday Mass originates from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in downtown Green Bay.
"We at WFRV Local 5 are so fortunate and proud to work with Bishop Ricken and the Diocese of Green Bay in broadcasting the weekly Sunday Mass throughout northeast Wisconsin,” said Mike Smith, vice-president and general manager, WFRV-TV/Green Bay and WJMN-TV/Marquette. “During this pandemic, we've had such an outpouring of positive comments from so many viewers. They express how thankful and blessed they feel to be able to participate with the bishop each week. This is a true partnership that benefits everyone in our viewing area."
The broadcast of Sunday Mass with Bishop Ricken began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, following the suspension of all public Masses in the diocese on Sunday, March 20, 2020. Broadcast Masses continued through the beginning of June as parishes slowly opened their doors to parishioners at 25% of church capacity.
While the ultimate goal is for the faithful to return to Mass in their own parishes, it has become evident there is a great need within the diocese to serve those unable to attend in person, most especially those who are homebound, in assisted living facilities and hospitals, as well as those in our prisons.
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Who we are: As friends and followers of Jesus, the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay is devoted to fostering households and communities of discipleship through the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church. We are missionary disciples striving to lead all people to the Kingdom of God. Established in 1868, the diocese is composed of 324,000 Catholics in 16 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, 2
Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago.
Contact: Justine Lodl, director of communications, at 920-272-8213 or