Extraordinary Measures, at an Extraordinary Time
effective Monday, March 16, 2020

As of Monday, March 16, Bishop Zubik has issued detailed guidelines for the care of the faithful, the celebration of the Sacraments, and the conduct of parish business, while ensuring for the health of the public and of the priests, ministers and employees of the Church. These norms will be observed until further notice, and we anticipate at least until March 30.

• All public celebrations of the Mass on both weekdays and Sundays are suspended until further notice. Our parish priests will continue to offer daily Mass privately for the intentions of our parishioners as well for each Mass intention requested.
• St. Louise Church will be open daily (7 am to 10 pm) for private prayer.
• Confessions will be heard at our regular times in both St. Louise church (Tuesday evening and Saturday) and St. Joan church (Saturdays). During this period we will not use the confessionals, rather the priests will be available in the church. We will ask the faithful to maintain a safe distance (at least 6 feet) both while waiting and while speaking to the priest.
• Wednesday, April 1, The Light is on for You opportunity for confession is cancelled throughout the diocese.
• Our parish priests will be available to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing for those who are in extreme illness or near the end of life. Please contact the parish office when in need.
• Funeral Masses will be permitted in our churches for the faithful departed, as will Wedding celebrations, but with attendance limited to immediate family members.
• All scheduled events at our parish buildings are cancelled until further notice, in compliance with the requests of governmental leaders and sound medical practice. 

Furthermore please note that:

• Our parish offices will be closed to the public until further notice. Staff members will be available by phone and email to continue to serve our parish needs, although on a slightly modified schedule.
• We will NOT have Eucharist Adoration or our Novena Prayers on Tuesdays.
• Holy Week will be upon us beginning on April 4, 2020. At this time, the diocese is preparing contingency plans should public Holy Week Liturgies be suspended. Further details will be forthcoming.

Thank you all for doing your best to keep up with these necessary measures and changes in the life of our Church. Please consider the opportunities to participate in Mass online or on TV. Our parish website lists a few links to free online devotionals being offered by Magnificat and The Word Among Us. https://sja-stl.org/ Our staff is working to make more resources available to bring us together in prayer.

Again, let's all continue to keep one another in prayer, to look after our family and neighbors with extra care, and accept this present situation with patience and assured of the Lord's Peace and Grace.

St. Joan of Arc and St. Louise de Marillac, Pray for us!

Yours in Christ, 

Fr. Joe, Fr. Dan and Fr. Jon