Dear Family of Faith,

As coronavirus/COVID-19 continues to spread, we are taking the following steps to bolster preventive measures at Divine Mercy Parish in consultation with the Archdiocese of Chicago, and appropriate government agencies and health professionals, particularly the protocols set forth from the Centers for Disease Control.   

Masses at Sacred Heart Church and St. Philip the Apostle Church
Cardinal Cupich issued a statement this morning mandating the suspension, until further notice, of all liturgical services effective Saturday evening with the regularly scheduled weekend services.  He shared that this was not a decision made lightly, as the Eucharist is the sources and summit of our life as Catholics.  By exception, weddings and funerals scheduled for Saturday, March 14 may proceed observing the guidelines issued by the Governor of Illinois, limiting participation to no more than 250.

While Mass will be suspended, the Cardinal has requested that parishes designate times for private prayer in churches, and if able, offer their Masses online.  To that end, Divine Mercy Parish will offer the opportunity for private prayer on Sunday mornings beginning March 15th between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. at both Sacred Heart Church and St. Philip the Apostle Church, after which the Churches will then be closed.  We are working on livestreaming our own private Mass and will let you know when that will be available via a link on our new website. You will be able to watch the Mass live at that time from any electronic device at your disposal, or view it at a time that is convenient for you and your family.   

We will launch our new website (www.divinemercynorthshore.org) within the next 24 hours.

Note:  If you are a liturgical minister and have received an email regarding upcoming assignments at Mass, please disregard those communications sent to you via Ministry Scheduler Pro.

Ministry and Event Gatherings
In addition, we have cancelled all large gatherings at the parish and strongly urge any smaller groups comprised of
“vulnerable” populations to cancel or postpone their gatherings as well.  These “vulnerable” populations are defined as:

• persons over the age of 60;
• persons of any age who are currently ill; and
• persons of any age who have an underlying health condition such as chronic lung disease, COPD, asthma, etc.

(Definitions determined by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)).

Sacred Heart School
The Archdiocese of Chicago has decided to close all Catholic Schools beginning Monday, March 16 until further notice.  This action also applies to all extra-curricular activities, social events and other school-related gatherings. The Archdiocese will make an announcement when it has determined a date to reopen.  

Sacred Heart students will be asked to complete academic work through electronic learning (“e-learning”) or alternative learning.  Families will receive further communication directly from the school.  Also during this closure period, the school facilities will be deep cleaned.  

Children’s Ministry
Given the Archdiocesan mandates, Divine Mercy Parish also has decided to cancel all scheduled Children’s Ministry sessions until further notice.  We will be in contact with the student families who are to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation once we receive further direction from the Office of the Bishop. 
 
Finally, I offer you this prayer of spiritual communion which you can pray in the coming days and weeks:

I encourage all of you to continue to pray for God’s grace throughout this time of uncertainty. Let us pray for the health and well being of our faith community and all our brothers and sisters affected by the epidemic.  We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you apprised of any and all updates.  Thank you for your understanding and patience as we move through this rapidly evolving situation.  Please know of my personal prayers for all of you.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Steven Lanza

Download this message here:

• Divine Mercy Coronavirus Protocols (PDF)
  

Divine Mercy invites you to participate in Alpha.  What is Alpha?  Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment.   Each session includes a meal, a short video and a discussion where you can share your thoughts in a small group.  There’s no pressure, no follow up and no charge!    Alpha is run around the world.  No two Alphas look the same, but generally have three key things in common:  good food, a video and good conversation. 

We believe that Alpha is a key component of what the future holds for us as we build our new reality as Divine Mercy parish.  It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know others in our faith community, whether they are from St. Philip the Apostle or Sacred Heart.  Please consider attending one of the Alpha sessions beginning in September. 

ALL ARE WELCOME!
Catholic or not…
Practicing or not…
Or simply curious…
#TryAlpha

Read the latest Renew My Church updates here.

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