As of late today, March 26, Bishop Rice has ordered Pastors to lock all church buildings and adoration chapels until further notice.  This is being done in cooperation with civil authorities in an attempt to stop the rapid spread of the Coronavirus.  Ten counties in our diocese now have confirmed cases of the virus. This means that our two parish churches will no longer be open at the previously announced times, and we will discontinue weekly Monday Eucharistic Adoration.  All of this is in affect until further notice.  As the Bishop stated in his memo to us, this is very sad but the right thing to do to protect and save lives.  

Bishop also reminds us that medical personnel are in desperate need of medical or construction masks.  Masks can be donated to St. Francis Medical Center by emailing mjmayfield@sfmc.net  We have closed the Parish Office to the public.  Cindy is working there, but I ask that any parish business be done over the phone or through email.  In a couple of weeks, we will have a permanent drop-box installed on the office door so that people can leave letters, receipts, contribution envelopes, etc.
Jennifer will continue to publish the parish bulletin online.  
Let us hold in our prayers and rosaries those who are sick with this very contagious virus, the doctors and nurses who are putting themselves at risk by their care for these individuals, and those who are working hard to find a successful vaccine.  
Please remember that I am still here for each and everyone of you.  I love you, and I miss you.  If you have any special prayer requests, please call me at 238-3300 ext. 2.  Please call me if you would like to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession; we can do that in the St. Michael Room in the rectory basement.  If you wish to remain anonymous, simply state your request when you call but not your name.  Also call if you are in need of the Anointing of the Sick.  
I ask that you share all of this information with parishioners who do not have access to the parish web site.  Watch for further updates and announcements regarding this rapidly changing situation. Again, thank you Aimee Hampton for posting these messages on our site.  


Gratefully Yours, 
Fr. Coon