The Archdiocese of Chicago has announced that all liturgical services have been suspended effective March 14.
Additionally, all schools operated by the archdiocese will be closed until further notice beginning March 16.
“This was not a decision I made lightly,” Cardinal Blase J. Cupich said in statement. “The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life as Catholics. And our schools and agencies provide essential services to many thousands across Cook and Lake Counties. But, in consultation with leaders from across the archdiocese, for the sake of the safety of our students, parishioners, and all the women and men who serve the people of the archdiocese, it is clear that we must take the better part of caution in order to slow the spread of this pandemic.”
All weddings and funerals scheduled for March 14 may proceed observing the guidelines issued by the Gov. JB Pritzker limiting participation to no more than 250.
While public Mass will be suspended, archdiocesan churches should remain open for private prayer during a time frame best determined by each pastor. To achieve this, the archdiocese has asked pastors to coordinate limited staff presence in parishes to answer calls and perform routine maintenance with a heightened focus on disinfecting all areas of common use, according to the statement.