Based on current guidelines from public health agencies, which recommend the cancellation of public gatherings involving 10 or more people (this number is per CDC guidance as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020 and is in effect until further notice), Cardinal Cupich has mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective the evening of Saturday March 14 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 following clarification is in response to questions we have received: In light of the Cardinal’s decision to suspend the celebration of all public liturgies, it is understood that all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Chicago are dispensed from the obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (per canons 85 and 87 in the code of canon law of 1983).
- Palm Sunday and Holy Week Liturgies will not be celebrated publicly in our
parishes. - There are NOT to be any public celebrations, even outside including live
Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. - There are NOT to be any distribution of blessed palms;
Easter sacraments for RCIA candidates and catechumens are to be
postponed - The Mass of the Lord’s Supper (without washing of the feet), the Liturgy of
the Lord’s Passion, and the Easter Vigil will be celebrated by Cardinal
Cupich and the auxiliary bishops in Holy Name Cathedral without a
congregation and will be livestreamed. - There should be no Communion services currently nor during Holy Week
until we are cleared to return for public liturgies. - Please continue to follow the CDC guidelines by allowing no more than 10
people to gather together at one time inside or outside the church,
practicing social distancing, and cleaning and disinfecting of churches
after use. - Please know that the guidelines and restrictions on public
liturgies and gatherings are inclusive of Easter Sunday and all
liturgies after Easter until further notice.