Archdiocese suspends Masses beginning Saturday because of coronavirus worries

The Archdiocese of Chicago is indefinitely suspending Mass at its churches in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cardinal Blase Cupich “mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective Saturday evening,” the archdiocese said in a statement Friday morning.

The decision was based on the guidelines spelled out Thursday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker mandating the cancellation of large public gatherings, according to the statement.

Also Friday, the archdiocese said it was canceling classes at all of its Cook and Lake county schools beginning Monday until further notice.

“This was not a decision I made lightly,” Cupich said in the statement. “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.”

Weddings and funerals scheduled for Saturday are not affected, but will be limited to 250 people or less, according to the statement.

Although public Mass is suspended, churches will remain open for private prayer during times determined by each pastor.

In the meantime, the archdiocese encouraged parishes to broadcast their Masses online and on television. Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls is broadcast at 9:30 a.m. on WGN-TV Channel 9.

On Thursday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said there were 32 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Illinois, and mandated that all events with more than 1,000 people be canceled or postponed.

The Joliet Diocese suspended Masses this weekend, saying it will decide later about future weekends. The diocese spans seven counties, including DuPage, Grundy, Kendall and Will.

“The onset of the pandemic coronavirus requires of us that we take the necessary, even painful steps to halt the spread of this disease and then eventually return to our normal lifestyle,” said the Most Rev. Richard E. Pates, apostolic administrator of the Joliet Diocese.

“I fully realize that some of the accommodations are difficult for us in light of the great meaning of our prayer life. But they are undertaken in the interest of the common good which ultimately is to the benefit of us as individuals and as communities.”

The diocese will make exceptions for weddings, funerals and Confirmations as long as no more than 250 people attend.

The diocese also said at daily Masses and other liturgies, until further notice, communion should be received by hand only; the exchange of peace should be expressed verbally; and the holy water fonts should be emptied.