No Service Larger Than 50 People: Diocese of Joliet

JOLIET, IL — Responding again to conditions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, Bishop Richard Pates of the Diocese of Joliet announced Monday that further restrictions would be placed on what services the local Catholic clergy can perform. This announcement comes only a few days after the Catholic Mass ceremony was cancelled throughout the Diocese for the weekend of March 14 -15, and only hours after the first COVID-19 patient in Will County was confirmed.

The new restrictions, announced in English and Spanish, state that all religious gatherings - including daily Mass, weddings and funerals - must be limited to 50 people at a maximum. Such a strict limit in attendance comes on the heels of executive orders recently issued by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, which seek to aggressively encourage social distancing and slow the spread of coronavirus.

Going forward, Pates said in his announcement, the Diocese will follow the governor's lead in determining how many people can be permitted to gather in any one space.

Here is the full text of Pate's announcement, in English and Spanish:

My dear Sisters and Brothers in the Joliet Diocese,

Thank you very much for your cooperation with actions that have been taken to minimize, to the degree possible, the spread of COVID - 19 (coronavirus). Your health, as well as the health of the public at large, have been my deepest concern. It is important that all of us cooperate with public leadership to make our efforts as effective as possible in containing this pandemic.

I fully realize and feel the painful loss along with you the cancellation of Masses on weekends. Because celebrating Mass is central to whom we are, I understand that its absence creates a palpable void. However, out of genuine concern for the welfare of everyone, I believe it is prudent to cancel weekend Masses for the time being.

Certain liturgical gatherings, namely daily Mass, funerals, and weddings are permitted provided that:

1. The service may not have an attendance in excess of 50 persons. This number is the current
directive of Governor Pritzker. Going forward, our point of reference regarding numbers will be those issued by the Governor of Illinois.

2. Every precaution be taken to prevent the spread of the virus.

The attached liturgical accommodations are being implemented and parishes are called to curtail or cancel other non-essential gatherings. These two directives will be ended when it is prudently advisable.

I want to strongly encourage all of the faithful to continue our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Need experienced by those served by the Church continues, even especially so, at this time of crisis. Please consider reaching out to your local parish about the possibility of providing financial support or personal assistance.

Catholic Charities, which serves many of the poor and elderly in the Diocese of Joliet, has a special need for volunteers to serve those in vulnerable situations. Please visit http://www.cc.doj.org for more information.

During this extraordinary time, our efforts throughout the community are to the benefit of all and are very much in accord with our identity as Christians. Be assured your participation contributes significantly to the common good.

Once again, I am fully cognizant this is a time of severe uncertainty and fear. I promise my wholehearted prayer and support. Especially comforting is the realization that the Dear Lord accompanies us in our trials.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Richard E. Pates,
Apostolic Administrator Diocese of Joliet

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas de Diócesis de Joliet,

Muchas gracias por su cooperación con las acciones tomadas para minimizar, en la medida que sea posible, la propagación de COVID-19 (corona virus). Su salud, así como la salud del público en general, han sido mi más profunda preocupación. Es importante que todos cooperemos con los líderes oficiales para que nuestros esfuerzos sean lo más eficaces posibles para contener esta pandemia.

Entiendo completamente y siento junto a ustedes la dolorosa perdida que es la cancelación de las misas los fines de semanas. Debido a que la celebración de la misa es esencial a quienes somos, entiendo que su ausencia crea un vacío palpable. Sin embargo, dado a la preocupación genuina por cada uno de ustedes, creo que es prudente cancelar todas las misas del fin de semana por el momento.

Se permitirán ciertas reuniones litúrgicas, entre ellas misa diaria, funerales y bodas, siempre que:

1. El servicio no tenga más de 50 personas. Este número es una directiva del Gobernador Pritzker. En el futuro, nuestro punto de referencia con respectos a los números serán los que son emitidos por el Gobernador de Illinois.

2. Se deben tomar las precauciones para prevenir la propagación del virus.

Se están implementando las adaptaciones litúrgicas que incluimos con este mensaje y se les hace un llamado a las parroquias a reducir o cancelar otras reuniones no esenciales. Estas dos directivas finalizaran cuando sean prudentemente notificadas.

Deseo animar energéticamente a todos los fieles a continuar nuestras practicas cuaresmales de oración, ayuno y limosna. La necesidad vivida por aquellos que atendemos en la Iglesia continúa, especialmente en este momento de crisis. Por favor considere ponerse en contacto con su parroquia local sobre las posibilidades de apoyar financieramente o con ayuda personal.

Caridades Católicas, que sirve a mucho de los pobres y ancianos de la Diócesis de Joliet, tiene una necesidad especial de voluntarios para servir a las personas en condiciones vulnerables o de gran necesidad. Por favor visite http://www.cc.doj.org para más información.

Durante este tiempo extraordinario, nuestros esfuerzos en toda la comunidad son en beneficios de todos y están muy de acuerdo con nuestra identidad como cristianos. Tenga la seguridad de que su participación contribuye significativamente al bien común.

Una vez más, estoy consciente plenamente de que este es un tiempo de incertidumbre y miedos. Les prometo mis oraciones y apoyo de todo corazón.

Es especialmente consolador saber que el Señor amado nos acompaña en nuestras pruebas.

Sinceramente suyo en Cristo,
Mons. Richard E. Pates,
Administrador Apostólico Diócesis de Joliet

To keep on top of the latest coronavirus news, subscribe to Patch news alerts and newsletters.