COVID-19 (Coronavirus) March 13, 2020 Update
MARCH 13, 2020 LETTER
On Thursday, March 12 pastors of parishes in the Diocese of Evansville received an email with a letter from Bishop Siegel concerning precautions regarding the COVID-19 virus. The Diocese is setting forth these precautions with the understanding that in communities that have taken greater precautions, the impact of the virus has been less than those who did not take such precautions. Below is a document that explains these precautions in detail. It can also be found on the homepage of the Catholic Diocese of Evansville & Diocesan Newspaper: The Message.
In agreement with the guidance we have received, our precautions at Holy Redeemer begin today with the suspension of the Friday evening Stations of the Cross. Moving forward, per the recommendation of the Bishop, all parish events, with the exception of the Sacraments, are suspended through at least April 6th. This includes prayer groups, bible studies, commission meetings, youth ministry functions, etc. These groups are being notified as well. The upcoming Fish Frys are also canceled. Reconciliation and Masses will continue as normally scheduled. The St. John Vianney Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel will remain open as will the church for prayer. We are also instituting the precautions at the celebration of the Eucharist, expanding upon what we have been doing up to this point. Bishop Siegel has issued a dispensation from the obligation of Mass attendance on Sundays and Holydays for all the faithful in the diocese and travelers present in the diocese. Members of the faithful who are elderly, particularly those with underlying health conditions, and those with a compromised immune system or who are ill are encouraged to take advantage of this dispensation. Those who take advantage of this dispensation are encouraged to pray at home and/or watch a televised Mass if possible. (click here for the Daily Mass Scripture readings) (click here for EWTN’s streamed Mass) See below for other Mass oppotunities.
These measures are being put into place not to frighten, but to protect. Someone on staff said "PREPARED not SCARED." Life will certainly be different for a while, but this does not mean that we need be afraid. As we suspend some things, our faith lives do not have to be suspended as well. This is a perfect opportunity to spend more time with your family, to spend more time forming yourself in the faith (check out FORMED) and to spend more time in conversation with God in prayer. Please do let us continue our prayers for our brothers and sisters who are sick, their loved ones, healthcare providers, public health officials, all community leaders and for one another.
God Bless,
Fr. Jason Gries
Pastor
On Thursday, March 12 pastors of parishes in the Diocese of Evansville received an email with a letter from Bishop Siegel concerning precautions regarding the COVID-19 virus. The Diocese is setting forth these precautions with the understanding that in communities that have taken greater precautions, the impact of the virus has been less than those who did not take such precautions. Below is a document that explains these precautions in detail. It can also be found on the homepage of the Catholic Diocese of Evansville & Diocesan Newspaper: The Message.
In agreement with the guidance we have received, our precautions at Holy Redeemer begin today with the suspension of the Friday evening Stations of the Cross. Moving forward, per the recommendation of the Bishop, all parish events, with the exception of the Sacraments, are suspended through at least April 6th. This includes prayer groups, bible studies, commission meetings, youth ministry functions, etc. These groups are being notified as well. The upcoming Fish Frys are also canceled. Reconciliation and Masses will continue as normally scheduled. The St. John Vianney Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel will remain open as will the church for prayer. We are also instituting the precautions at the celebration of the Eucharist, expanding upon what we have been doing up to this point. Bishop Siegel has issued a dispensation from the obligation of Mass attendance on Sundays and Holydays for all the faithful in the diocese and travelers present in the diocese. Members of the faithful who are elderly, particularly those with underlying health conditions, and those with a compromised immune system or who are ill are encouraged to take advantage of this dispensation. Those who take advantage of this dispensation are encouraged to pray at home and/or watch a televised Mass if possible. (click here for the Daily Mass Scripture readings) (click here for EWTN’s streamed Mass) See below for other Mass oppotunities.
These measures are being put into place not to frighten, but to protect. Someone on staff said "PREPARED not SCARED." Life will certainly be different for a while, but this does not mean that we need be afraid. As we suspend some things, our faith lives do not have to be suspended as well. This is a perfect opportunity to spend more time with your family, to spend more time forming yourself in the faith (check out FORMED) and to spend more time in conversation with God in prayer. Please do let us continue our prayers for our brothers and sisters who are sick, their loved ones, healthcare providers, public health officials, all community leaders and for one another.
God Bless,
Fr. Jason Gries
Pastor