St. Joseph Catholic Church

March 30, 2020 -- Letter from Bishop Siegel

Click on the above link to read today's from Bishop Siegel

UPDATE:  March 17, 2020:  In light of new information and recommendations from health officials concerning the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgency to stem the spread of the virus, the five Catholic bishops of Indiana have suspended -- until further notice-- all Sunday and Weekday Public Masses throughout the Province of Indianapolis, which is comprised of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and the Dioceses of Gary, Evansville, Fort Wayne-South Bend, and Lafayette.   You can read the entire document here: https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/20b550ed90307eb97a123e00807de98b8a7bf13b/March%2017%202020%20Bishops%20Directive.pdf

March 12, 2020:  In response to the COVID-19 virus,  Bishop Siegel has approved the following actions (effective immediately and continuing through at least April 6, 2020):

• Parish Mass and other sacramental schedules will remain in effect as usual.   However, the Bishop has issued a dispensation from the obligation of Mass attendance on Sundays and Holy Days for all the faithful in the diocese and travelers present in the diocese.   Those who take advantage of this dispensation are encouraged to pray at home and/or watch a televised Mass if possible.   If you are feeling ill, please stay home to avoid spreading the virus.  Holy Communion from the chalice and the Sign of Peace will be temporarily suspended at all public Masses.   In addition, Holy Water will be temporarily removed from the fonts in the church.
• Parish and diocesan offices will remain open under normal business hours.
• All parish events are to be cancelled without exception.   These include, but are not limited to, Faith Formation, RCIA classes, youth and young adult ministry events, meetings of parish committees, parish fish fries and other fundraisers.
• Meetings of diocesan committees and other groups scheduled for the Catholic Center and/or Sarto Retreat House are cancelled.