We have some updates on precautions Bishop Walkoviak is taking within our diocese. In summary this includes the cancelation of Saturday evening and Sunday Masses. Church will remain open for private prayer during the normal Sunday (or Saturday evening) Mass times. Also we are canceling our Reconciliation service on Sunday at 3pm although Father will be available to hear the confessions of anyone then or at the normal times.
Daily Masses will take place according to our normal schedule.
The celebration of the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. We enshrine the divine law to give praise and worship to God on the Lord’s Day by the obligation to participate at Mass. We are, however, now in the midst of a pandemic which calls for extraordinary measures. Promotion of the common good is one of the pillars of Catholic social teaching and Catholic life.
New state guidelines and executive orders issued within the past 24 hours have prompted our new guidelines:
Gov. Whitmer has banned all large gatherings over 250 people until Sunday, April 5 at 5 p.m.
Gov. Whitmer has closed all K-12 schools beginning Monday, March 16 – Sunday, April 5.
Bishop Walkowiak issues the following directives for parishes and schools in the diocese, effective immediately, in harmony with these government guidelines:
Weekend Masses through Sunday, March 29 in the Diocese of Grand Rapids have been canceled. However, the Church’s life of prayer must continue:
Churches should remain open for private prayer during normal weekend Mass times and other times as normally scheduled.
Mass will continue to be livestreamed from the cathedral for those who wish to view it. It can be viewed on FOX 17, on the diocesan website and FB page.
Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate the 10 a.m. Mass at the cathedral on Sunday, March 15.
Catholics are encouraged to make a spiritual Communion, pray the rosary, or meditate on Sacred Scripture to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
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