CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Cardinal Blase Cupich announced Friday that all Archdiocese of Chicago public masses will be suspended and Catholic schools within its jurisdiction are closed temporarily in Cook and Lake counties."A new moment is upon us, a virulent contagion threatens humanity, reminding us of our mortality and fragility as human beings," Cupich said to parishioners concerning the coronavirus. Online courses will be offered for Catholic schools and most parishes will stream masses online. Weddings, funerals and confirmations still will be held with certain safety measures in place according to Bishop Ron Hicks.
"If you have anyone who has a diminished immune system or who would be at risk attending something like that, consider not attending, and keep the gathering small," Hicks said.While most parishes will stream services online, some may not and Hicks encouraged parishioners at those churches to simply join the stream of another. He said there are other ways to participate as well.
"We have mass for shut-ins which is broadcast every week on television," Hicks said. For now, about 51,000 students will be expected to complete their school course work from home according to Jim Rigg, Catholic Schools Superintendent for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
"We are working with each of our 170 schools to develop and implement an electronic or alternative learning program that will enable students to still engage in instruction and learning while the schools are closed," Rigg said. Rigg added that the closure response will be similar to how snow closures are handled and that since this was a relatively light winter the resources are there to pull off the e-learning programming.Catholic Charities, which is run by the Archdiocese of Chicago, is the region's largest non-profit social service agency. It's determining how it can best continue to serve the community, Hicks said.
"The undeserved, the poor, the needy. We are constantly monitoring and looking for ways of not only keeping people safe but how do we provide services" How do we put our faith into action and really attend to people who are in need?" Hicks said. More information can be found at ArchChicago.org/coronavirus.