Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In response to the governor of Michigan’s executive order No. 2020-5, prohibiting large assemblages and events of more than 250 people, and in union with the Archdiocese of Detroit and Archdiocese of Chicago, as well as health officials, and legal counsel, the Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle will be mandating guidelines effective immediately to limit the spread of the Coronavirus at our parishes and larger communities.
By mandate of Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat, all Masses and stations of the cross are suspended and everyone is dispensed from their Sunday obligation until further notice. It is not a sin to miss Mass these days because the Bishop has dispensed everyone. All parishes within our diocese (including Michigan, Illinois, and our mission churches) are required to implement these policies until further notice.
CANCELED UNTIL MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020:
- All Masses (including all Sunday and daily Masses)
- All stations of the cross
- All first communion and catechism classes
- All bible study groups
- All formation classes
- All youth groups
- All parish hosted tazia gatherings
EXCEPTIONS:
- Baptisms, weddings, and funerals may continue as scheduled, but only immediate family may attend and may not exceed 100 people
- Private confessions will still be available, at each pastor’s discretion (no communal penance services)
Live streaming of Sunday Masses with a spiritual communion are being organized in Arabic, Chaldean, and English. More details to come.
The source and summit of our faith in Jesus Christ is the worship of Him at Mass. Therefore, the decision to temporarily suspend public celebration of Mass was not made lightly. Our hope is in the Lord during these difficult times, and we are united always in prayer to God, Our Lady, St. Joseph, and the Communion of Saints.
+ Francis Kalabat
Bishop of St. Thomas the Apostle Chaldean Diocese U.S.A.