Our Lord Jesus Christ, King Of The Universe

Dear Parishioners,

    During the past week we have, once again, received correspondence from the Diocese of Peoria concerning the Coronavirus.  It was decided on Friday that all Catholic Schools in the Diocese will convert to virtual classes beginning Monday, November 16, until January eighteenth.  This is because of the high level of infections in our area.  Hospitals are in danger of being overwhelmed by patients.  This is truly a critical situation.  As I write this letter, other schools are making the same decision.

     We also will be suspending in-person Religious Education classes beginning this weekend for the rest of the semester.  We hope to return to our regular classes when schools re-open in January.  We will try to provide online experiences for the children and will also try to send materials home for them.  I feel sad for our students because they really benefit from being together.  Let’s pray for them.

    At this point in time we have received no directives from the Diocese concerning our liturgies.  Worship activities are not under the same rules as other gatherings.  The rule of thumb continues to be that we can gather at twenty-five percent capacity. Our offices will be open, but we will try to have appointments and meetings virtually as much as possible. 

     We have to continue to try our best to keep our church community together.  Thank you to all who have been following our protocols so responsibly.

May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over us today.

Fr. Mark