Statements

In response to media and other requests, the Archdiocese of Chicago offers the following clarification regarding an event called “The National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.”

Jacob Blake and his family need and deserve our prayers. State investigators have reported that Jacob was shot seven times in the back by a police officer and his family reports that he may never walk again

The Archdiocese of Chicago created a reopening plan for its schools that places the health and safety of our students, teachers and employees above all else.

On this Day of Mourning, we join as brothers in Christ to decry the conversion of the Hagia Sophia by the government of Turkey.

Last week we had a death in the family – our brother George was murdered. We should mourn. We should be angry and hurt. And, we should heed the wishes of the Floyd family, and not dishonor his gentle memory by spreading the sickness of violence.

The past nights I have watched in great personal pain as the pent-up anger of our people caught fire across our country. I saw the city where I was born, the cities where I have lived, the city I pastor now, catch embers from the city where I was educated and burn. Was I horrified at the violence? Yes. But was I surprised? No.

All livestreamed parish liturgies are to be celebrated according to archdiocesan and governmental directives. Per the Vicar General communication on April 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now “recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.” In view of this updated guidance, we remind all pastors and administrators of parishes and agencies that there are to be no public liturgical or sacramental celebrations (including drive-through or parking-lot gatherings for Communion, confession or blessings) until further notice.

The attached decree was issued by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, to dispense Catholics from Easter obligations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Catholics are obligated to receive Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confession during the Easter season which runs from Easter Sunday to the feast of the Ascension of the Lord.

Included below and posted to our dedicated archchicago.org/coronavirus page are the Archdiocesan Guidelines for the Celebration of the Liturgies of Holy Week according to norms issued by the Vatican and the USCCB. Please review these guidelines in detail. All LIVE-STREAMED PARISH liturgies are to be celebrated according to Archdiocesan and Governmental directives.

In response to updated recommendations and guidance from healthcare professionals, we have revised our protocols regarding Anointing of the Sick. Please review the points below in full.