WARNING ABOUT RISK ASSUMED BY PARISHIONERS:

While our parish staffs will attempt to take appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities, parishioners and guests should understand that they assume the risk of contracting COVID-19 anytime they enter a public space since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection.

Letter from Bishop Jenky, CSC
May 20, 2020

My dear brothers and sisters in the Risen Lord,

These past couple of months have been a truly extraordinary time. As the world struggled to come to terms with how best to respond to the pandemic, we have been unable to participate in the Mass and the Sacraments in the usual way. I know that this has been difficult for both our priests and the people they serve.

As many of you know, consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order, we have begun offering drive-in Masses in a number of our locations. While we are presently only opening our churches for funerals, weddings, and baptisms, we are planning for the day when we will resume weekday and Lord’s Day Masses. It will require many adjustments on the part of everyone, clergy and laity alike.

Please keep in mind that while our parish staffs will attempt to take appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities, parishioners and guests should understand that they assume the risk of contracting COVID-19 anytime they enter a public space since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection.

I am immensely grateful for the work that has been done by the Archdiocese of Chicago, in conjunction with State and local leaders, to begin the formulating of a plan for the reopening of our churches. The Governor has pointed out that the spread of the deadly virus varies from one region of Illinois to another, and his plan for loosening the restrictions currently in place reflects this reality.

In the Diocese of Peoria, we have modeled our plan after the one developed for use in the Archdiocese of Chicago and have made adaptations that correspond to our region. In all cases, the requirements of the appropriate authorities are to be observed. I particularly wish to acknowledge and thank our partners at OSF HEALTHCARE who have made their Infectious Disease Team available to us and who have given their endorsement to this plan.

Please bear in mind that as the situation changes, from one county to the next, modifications may be necessary to the plan. We are working diligently to open our churches and provide you with the Sacraments in a way that reflects our love for God and our responsibilities to one another. As I have said before, we are striving at all times to conduct ourselves as devout believers and responsible citizens. We are all in this together.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.

See the letter on the diocesan website.

Here are key points to know:

• Mass will occasionally be celebrated outside at Historic St. Patrick. The altar will be in front of the garage, under the tent. The outdoor Mass time will be posted on our liturgy schedule.
• Communion will be distributed after Mass as we are doing currently.
• The best way to follow along is with a radio. There will be a sign posted with the FM station broadcasting the Mass. Currently we are broadcasting from 102.1 FM
• You may bring your own chair rather than sit in your car. Please observe the following:
  • Maintain social distancing when placing seats–at least six feet away from anyone not in your household.
  • Wear your mask if possible.
  • Don’t park in front of the altar (so that people can place their chairs there).
  • If you’re bringing a chair, park behind the parish hall or in the street to maximize the seating area.
  • The open field to the north of the parking lot belongs to Historic St. Patrick. Don’t park there, but you may place your (socially distanced) chairs there.

Stay tuned for more details.

Due to the concern for COVID-19, please be aware that masks should be worn at all times while in the church buildings.

Thank you for your cooperation.

This is how we’ll handle distribution of Communion on Sundays, always subject to change as conditions allow:

• Communion will be distributed after each Mass at the Mass location only.
• In all the places where we offer Communion, hand sanitizer will be available in line.
• If you exit your vehicle, please remain at least six feet from anyone not in your household.
• We request that all communicants wear face masks except when receiving.
• Those who wish to receive on the tongue are strongly requested to line up toward the end of the Communion lines.

Parishioner Interviews: Feel a little disconnected? Yearning for Community? Check out our “Parishioner Interviews” as a way to get to know one another. Peace in Jesus!

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Online Prayer Intentions: The most powerful thing a faith community can do is pray for one another. If you have any specific intentions, email them and they will be remembered in a general way during our online masses. Please send to:

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Many of our financial commitments–for example, payroll, utilities, and maintenance–continue despite the suspension of public celebration of Mass. In order to keep our parish functioning now, and in order to preserve its long-term viability, please continue your generous financial support of your parish as best as you are able. Spiritually and financially supporting the mission of the Church is one of the precepts of the Church. If you would like to contribute electronically, you can call the parish office or click on the Online Giving link for your Parish.

Holy Trinity

Historic St. Patrick