Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Archbishop Schnurr has asked the parishes of the Archdiocese to take serious steps to help mitigate the effects of the coronavirus.

Please read the information below carefully: all events (including the Mass details) are affected.

Key highlights:
    • You do not need to attend Mass on Sunday.
    • If you are sick or vulnerable, please do not come to Mass.
    • All non-sacramental events at St. Anthony, St. Cecilia, and St. Margaret-St. John are canceled.
    • Further information about religious education, sacramental preparation, and RCIA will be communicated to the relevant groups.
    • Please check your email for further updates on our schedule in the weeks ahead.

Masses
    • All Catholics are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday through the next three weeks. This will likely be extended as circumstances demand.
    • Because those that are 65 and older make up 85% of the fatalities, I implore and encourage those 65 and older to stay at home and to be in Spiritual Communion with those at Mass. I also ask that we distance ourselves from each other in the pews.
    • Along with the other stipulations that have already been put in place we will offer all the regularly scheduled weekend Masses as usual in the region. While that is the case, no choirs will be assembled- nor music played. There will not be any Scrutinies inside of Mass as well as processions (including opening, closing, and offertory).
    • Communion will be distributed only to one's hand. Saliva is far more contagious than placing host on hand, and therefore communion on the tongue will not be an option for betterment and charity of all. While there is great value in gathering for Holy Sacrifice of the Mass during this time, I also want to minimize the risk.
    • The daily Mass schedule is unchanged at this time.
    • At every Mass, please spread out through the church as much as possible.
    • As previously announced, Communion will be offered under one species (hosts). Those with low-gluten needs should alert the priest beforehand and sit on the St. Joseph side. The Archbishop asks that the faithful receive Communion on the hand.
    • Please do not offer the sign of peace or hold hands during the Our Father.
    • Remember that you are not obliged to receive Holy Communion when you attend Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and Other Devotions
    • Wednesday Adoration at St. Cecilia will still take place.
    • Stations of the Cross on Fridays are still taking place at St. Cecilia. Stations of the Cross are cancelled at all other locations.
    • Confessions will be heard at the normal times. Please keep extra space in the confessional line, and allow the line to wrap along the sides of the church as needed.
    • Information on additional confession times, as well as other devotions and meditations for this time of crisis, will be made available next week.

Other Non-Sacramental Events
    • St. Cecilia School will be following the governor and archbishop's directives and cancelling class for the next three weeks. Principal Mike Goedde will communicate with parents and teachers with home learning plans to keep students on-track.
    • All other non-sacramental events in the Eastside Region are canceled through the end of March, and possibly beyond. This includes all parish ministries and organizations, including:
        • The Parish mission featuring Fr. David Endres
        • All Faith Formation & bible studies
        • All Young Adult Ministry events such as Pints with Priests and Pi Day
        • PREP Classes
    • Those in religious education, R.C.I.A., and other sacramental preparation courses will receive special instructions from the relevant leaders via email.

Online Giving
    • We expect Mass attendance, and therefore the weekly offertory, to decrease significantly in the coming weeks.
    • Please consider giving online. To give online, visit your parish website and click "Online Giving"
    • We rely on your generosity and support to be able to carry on with our mission of preaching Jesus Christ. Please help us make payroll and support our employees during this crisis.

Caring for our Parishioners
    • We are taking many additional steps to clean public spaces and high-touch areas in our church and around the campus.
    • Remember to make frequent acts of faith, and acts of spiritual communion, especially if you are unable to come to church.
    • Know that our priests and staff members are offering special prayers for our community during this time, especially for those who are sick or vulnerable.
    • Please be in touch with the parish office with any concerns or questions.


Yours in Christ,
Fr. Jamie Weber