CHICAGO — Due to the coronavirus threat, Friday the Archdiocese of Chicago suspended all public celebrations of mass, in addition to closing all local Catholic schools starting Saturday evening, March 14.
Based on current guidelines from local public health departments, which recommend the cancellation of public gatherings involving 250 or more people, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective Saturday evening 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.
“This was not a decision I made lightly,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life as Catholics. And our schools and agencies provide essential services to many thousands across Cook and Lake Counties. But, in consultation with leaders from across the archdiocese, for the sake of the safety of our students, parishioners, and all the women and men who serve the people of the archdiocese, it is clear that we must take the better part of caution in order to slow the spread of this pandemic.”
Catholic schools in Cook and Lake counties will be closed beginning Monday, March 16.
Read the statement HERE.
