Dear People,
In order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, I am mandating the suspension of all public Masses in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, beginning with Masses following this communication today, March 16, 2020. Pending updates and guidance from local and state government and health officials, we have preliminary plans to resume Masses beginning April 6; however, we will re-evaluate at a later date.
At this time, all churches are to remain open to individuals for personal prayer, devotions, and confessions.
As with my directive on March 15 to close schools, this decision has not been made lightly. However, caring for both our physical and spiritual health go hand-in-hand, and the health, safety, and overall well-being of the people of the archdiocese is my first priority.
Please review new details and guidelines below, to be implemented immediately and maintained through April 5, 2020, pending further updates:
All public celebrations of the liturgy, as well as Liturgy of the Hours, Stations of the Cross, and all other group services, Bible studies, and activities are to cease beginning immediately. The dispensation I have offered for all Catholics in our archdiocese from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is now extended through April 5.
My support and prayers continue to remain with you as we navigate the challenges of this national emergency. The Archdiocese of St. Louis will continue to support you, and we ask for your continued prayers and support in return.
Mary, Health of the Sick and our Mother, pray for us.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson
Archbishop of St. Louis
https://www.catholicextension.org/stories/Sunday-catholic-mass-online. Free broadcast of Holy Mass every Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
http://www.catholictv.org/masses/catholictv-mass. Recording of Mass each day that you can stream at any time.
https://us.magnificat.net/free. Magnificat is offering their service for smartphones and tablets for free during this time of the Coronavirus. This has the Mass readings, a reflection, and a short morning, evening, and night prayer.
http://www.usccb.org/bible/. Free resource to access the daily Mass readings and also has an audio feature as well.
https://www.ewtn.com/tv/watch-live. Watch EWTN, a great Catholic TV station that is filled with great information and devotions for Lent.
https://www.catholic.com/. A great resource to learn more about the Catholic faith if you are staying home for a while.
http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/. The Catechism online for free!
Formed.org. Wonderful Catholic content!
O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you. Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part
in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need, and we are sure
you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to
feasting after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to
do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and
carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the
resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection, we seek refuse, Holy Mother of God. Do not
disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every
danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.