Statements

The Chrism Mass will NOT be celebrated publicly, nor will we hold our annual Day of Reflection. Cardinal Cupich and the auxiliary bishops will celebrate the Mass in Holy Name Cathedral, which will be livestreamed for the benefit of the faithful to view in their homes.

Given recent questions about funerals and wakes, it is important to clarify and reiterate current guidelines and policies, keeping in mind that those already issued by Cardinal Cupich on Friday, March 13, allow for funerals and other liturgies under certain conditions. These guidelines and policies are in effect until further notice.

Based on current guidelines from local public health departments, which recommend the cancellation of public gatherings involving 250 or more people, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective Saturday evening with the regularly scheduled weekend services. In addition, he has mandated the closing of schools operated by the archdiocese, and to close the Pastoral Center and related agency offices until further notice.

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) informed us last night that a student at St. Margaret of Scotland School has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19.) The affected student also attended the all-school Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland Church on March 12, 2020. Therefore, following the CDPH recommendation, we are closing St. Margaret of Scotland School effective immediately and will not re-open until March 23 at the earliest. The school already has a scheduled Spring Break from March 16-20. Additionally, there will be no daily Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish on Friday, March 13.

The following message was shared today with Archdiocese of Chicago pastors, parish administrators, principals and pastoral center supervisors regarding coronavirus/COVID-19 public health concerns and our liturgical practices: As coronavirus/COVID-19 continues to spread, in consultation with appropriate government agencies and health professionals we are taking steps to bolster preventive measures.

The following was shared with Archdiocese of Chicago priests regarding coronavirus/COVID-19 public health concerns and our liturgical practices. Based on guidance from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Divine Worship, the following guidelines are to be implemented in all parishes within the Archdiocese of Chicago effective immediately.

Together with the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago and all people of good will, I mourn and pray for the victims of the horrific stabbings at the home of a Jewish family during a Hanukkah celebration Saturday night in Monsey, NY.

The Orland Park Police have announced that the retired pastor of St. Michael Parish in Orland Park, Fr. Paul Burak, has been charged in the December 4 accident that took the life of Margaret (Rone) Leja and injured Elizabeth Kosteck, both teachers at St. Michael School (Orland Park). We are cooperating with the Orland Park Police and have no further information at this time.

Dear Parishioners of Nativity of Our Lord and St. Gabriel Parish, In July, I informed you of an accusation of sexual abuse against your former pastor, Father William McFarlane. In keeping with our procedures, he was asked to step aside from active ministry until a thorough investigation and process could be completed. He has fully cooperated with civil authorities and the Archdiocese of Chicago during those investigations.

After consultation with the Archdiocese of Chicago Presbyteral Council, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, issued a decree stating that Queen of Apostles Church, located at 207 W. 145th Street in Riverdale, is relegated to profane but not sordid use, effective today, September 16, 2019. This means that beginning today, September 16, 2019 the building will no longer be a sacred space and may not be used for worship. The final Mass at Queen of Apostles Church was celebrated on September 15, 2019.