Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info & Resources

In light of the Cardinal’s decision to suspend the celebration of all public liturgies, it is understood that all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Chicago are dispensed from the obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (per canons 85 and 87 in the code of canon law of 1983).

  

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info & Resources

In light of the Cardinal’s decision to suspend the celebration of all public liturgies, it is understood that all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Chicago are dispensed from the obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (per canons 85 and 87 in the code of canon law of 1983).

June 10, 2020 - Opening the Doors

We're pleased to announce we opened our church doors this morning for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Tomorrow 30 of our parishioners have signed-up to visit the church for private prayer between 11am and 2pm.  We also celebrated a Funeral Mass this past week and are preparing for another this week.  

We've also been working with families to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. We'll baptize two babies into the life of God and the Church next Sunday afternoon. In this first phase, we're able to have 10 worshippers in the church at a time, not including liturgical ministers.

Phase 2, which we are very close to implementing, involves resuming Sunday and daily Masses. It's also when we can finalize the dates for First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and to welcome in our parishioners who are waiting to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

Help is Still Needed

If you would like to pitch in to help us re-open, please click here to fill out a  Volunteer Form and our leadership team will be in touch with next steps. Thank you to a solid number of parishioners who already said "yes, count me in!" We couldn't do it without you.

Click here if you would like to review the Cardinal's reopen plan.

Only When You're Ready

As I mentioned on Thursday, we're aware that not everyone feels ready to resume again, and so we're taking it slowly. We're also mindful we have to work within the guidelines the Church provides, which have been approved by the State. This still includes social distancing, using hand sanitizer, wearing masks, and ensuring all shared spaces are properly cleaned and sanitized for every event. 

Please know that Cardinal Cupich has extended his dispensation of the Sunday obligation (to be present for Mass) and that will continue until further notice. So even when we open for Masses again, it will be slow and for those ready to come back. In the meantime, we will continue streaming Masses throughout and finding virtual ways to stay connected.

Let Us Pray!

Here are some ways we can pray for and with one another:
Praying for Others:

• Click here to add someone you love or know to the Prayer List.
• Click here if you want to Offer a Mass for Someone.

Praying with Others:

• Click here if you want to join a Virtual Prayer Group.
• Click here if you want to sign up for a prayer partner.

Since our Book of Prayer Intentions at the back of the church isn't available,  sign our virtual book located on-line. Sometimes writing out our prayers and thoughts to express ourselves can be very helpful. 

June 4, 2020 - Register for Reconciliation & Private Prayer This Weekend

We have been certified by the Archdiocese to open up our doors this weekend to resume some of our Sacramental life here at St. Hubert. As part of Phase 1, this weekend we will resume the  Sacrament of  Reconciliation on Saturday morning between 8 and 10am.  And on Sunday, we'll open the church for  private prayer between 11am and 2pm.  

Register So We Can Plan

If you would like to experience either Reconciliation or Private Prayer in our church this weekend, we need to know you're coming. To that end, we have created a way to "register" ahead of time so that we know to expect you.

Please note that in this phase we're still limited by how many people are in church at the same time (no more than 10 in any given time period), so your registration is important and needed. The number will go up when we're in Phase 2.

Looking Ahead to Phase 2

As we slowly begin again, we are working toward resuming Sunday and daily Masses. In the meantime, we still have our on-line presence through our website which includes the streaming of Sunday Mass and a host of spiritual opportunities found under the "Pray" section of our website--including devotional prayers, like the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy...and coming very soon Adore & Worship.

Can You Help?

We're grateful to a strong group of parishioners who already said "Yes" to volunteering to make both Phase 1 and Phase 2 a reality. But if you would like to help, we could sure use it.  Please click here to volunteer. 

We're On Our Way...With a Ways to Go

Please know that we're aware not everyone feels ready to resume again, and so we're taking it slowly. We're also mindful we have to work within the guidelines the Church provides, which have been approved by the State. 

Please know that Cardinal Cupich has extended his dispensation of the Sunday obligation (to be present for Mass) and that will continue until further notice. So even when we open for Masses again, it will be slow and for those ready to come back. In the meantime, we will continue streaming Masses and finding virtual ways to stay connected.

Let's continue to pray for each other and with each other. We need it more than ever.

May God's peace be with you,
--Fr. Mike

If you would like more information about the Cardinal's 2-Phase Plan,  click here.

June 3, 2020 - I Can't Do This Alone...I Need Some Help!

May 30, 2020

Cardinal's 2-Phase Re-Opening plan.  Phase 1 includes gathering in groups of 10 for Reconciliation, Baptisms, Funeral Masses, Weddings and for private prayer.  

Phase 2 includes resuming Sunday Mass, and will also be when we can finalize the dates for First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and to welcome in our parishioners who are waiting to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

An Update on Our Phase 1 Re-Opening
We have a lay leadership team in place and will have completed our certification from the Archdiocese to open the church doors again early this week. Our goal at this point is to resume the Sacrament of Reconciliation next weekend and to open the church for prayer next Sunday. It looks at this point that we'll have a system in place to help us know who is interested in being present so that we can be sure to plan appropriately.

Of course, we are very mindful of the protocols we'll need to follow, which includes proper social distancing, the wearing of face masks, the use of hand sanitizer and the necessary things we need to do to clean and disinfect all common areas.

The goal is not just to re-open, but to create a worship space that is conducive to keeping us healthy. We will send out a notice once we know we are good to re-open again with the details.

Help Needed
To make everything work well, we'll need a team in place to get us through the two phases.  If you're interested in helping us through Phase 1--to support our celebrations of Baptisms, Weddings, Reconciliation, Funerals or Prayer Time--we could sure use it.  

In looking ahead to Phase 2, we are also assembling a team of parishioners who would like to help us when it's time for Sunday Masses to resume.  We need people who are interested in serving as Greeters (welcoming you and making sure you have a place to sit) and Ushers (helping us through the services). We'll also need a team to help us set up for Masses and clean and sanitize afterward.  

If you are interested in helping, please click here to fill out a Volunteer Form and our leadership team will be in touch with next steps. Please note that we need to be careful and considerate of your situation, so if you're in a vulnerable population (65 or older, or have health concerns) we understand if you are unable to help at this time.

Once again, we're grateful to our St. Hubert Stewards Ministry for helping us give our worship space a thorough cleaning. We're moving ahead because we're working together--very carefully--to make it work.

Click here  if you haven't had an opportunity to look at the Cardinal's plan.

May 15, 2020

Cardinal Blase Cupich announces agreement with the State of Illinois on the gradual reopening of Catholic Churches.

        

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info & Resources

In light of the Cardinal’s decision to suspend the celebration of all public liturgies, it is understood that all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Chicago are dispensed from the obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (per canons 85 and 87 in the code of canon law of 1983).

May 14, 2020
CARDINAL CUPISH ANNOUNCES RE-OPENING PLANS

On the evening of May 13, Cardinal Cupich announced a strategic plan to begin slowly opening up our church buildings and resuming some of the sacraments by the end of the month.  It is a two-phased gradual approach.  The first phase will include the ability to resume gathering in groups of 10 for Baptisms, Reconciliation, Funeral Masses and Weddings.  As part of this phase we will also eventually be able to open the church once again for private prayer and adoration.
 
The second phase will include being able to gather for Mass again—how many people we will be able to have in the church for each service will depend on conversations the Church is having with state and local officials.
 
To access the Cardinal’s letter and the Official Plan, please click on the link below:
https://www.archchicago.org/coronavirus/reopening

May 8, 2020
Current Liturgical and Sacramental Guidelines During the Stay-at-Home Order

Baptisms
All public celebrations of baptisms must be postponed and can be rescheduled only once the stay-at- home order is lifted and archdiocesan guidance is provided. This does not supersede church law, which provides for the exception of Baptism being administered by any person “in case of urgent necessity, when only those things required for the validity of the sacrament must be observed” (CIC, c. 850).
 
Reconciliation
Given that our churches are closed and a stay-at-home order is in effect:

• Individual confessions are currently not possible; this includes virtual or phone confessions, which are never permissible, nor drive-thru confessions. Despite the good intentions around such novelty, we must attend to our underlying theological tradition of the sacrament, as well as support the stay-at-home order and its intended purpose – to keep people safe in their homes at this time.
• In keeping with longstanding pastoral practice when penitents’ access to the sacrament is restricted, we can be assured that our sins are forgiven if we make an act of contrition with a firm resolve to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation after the stay-at-home order is lifted. All the faithful are encouraged to do so in complete dependence upon the mercy and love of God, in sorrow for all sins and with a firm resolve to confess all serious sin at the next available time and keeping in mind the Church’s precept of making a good confession at least once per year. 

 
Eucharist
All First Communion liturgies and celebrations must be postponed and can be rescheduled only once the stay-at-home order is lifted and archdiocesan guidance is provided. Bringing Communion to the sick and homebound is suspended to be consistent with the governor’s stay-at-home order and can resume only once the order is lifted and archdiocesan guidance is provided.
 
Confirmation
All Confirmation liturgies remain postponed and can be rescheduled only once the stay-at-home order is lifted and archdiocesan guidance is provided. 
 
Weddings
All weddings must be postponed and can be rescheduled only once the stay-at-home order is lifted and archdiocesan guidance is provided. 
 
Anointing of the Sick
Under the State’s exemption for essential services, the Archdiocese of Chicago is including Anointing of the Sick as an essential service. However, out of an abundance of caution, specific and detailed protocols must be followed concerning confirmed COVID-19 patients and only a select number of priests will be allowed to administer this sacrament to those patients.
 
Funerals, Wakes and Christian Burials
Funeral Masses and wakes at the church must be postponed until the stay-at-home order is lifted and archdiocesan guidance is provided. Burials at Catholic Cemeteries may continue and are not suspended at this time; however, attendance limit and social distancing requirements apply per below.
 
Here are two alternative options available to families:

1. A funeral service, not a Mass, may take place at the funeral home (the limit for attendees remains 10 people at this time and all attendees must practice social distancing.
2. A funeral service may take place graveside at the cemetery before committal/burial.
 The limit for attendees remains 10 people at this time and all attendees must practice social distancing times.

 
Plenary Indulgence
The Apostolic Penitentiary also issued a decree granting a Plenary Indulgence during this extraordinary time. Fundamentally, indulgences (plenary/full or partial) refer to a repairing and healing of the damage inflicted by sin  . The Church, drawing on the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ and the Communion of Saints speaks of drawing grace from the "treasury of the Church."
 
In this moment of isolation and disconnection, to seek an indulgence reaffirms our connection in the Body of Christ and with the saints. The Plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful suffering from Coronavirus, who are subject to quarantine by order of the health authority in hospitals or in their own homes if, with a spirit detached from any sin, they:

• unite spiritually through the media to the celebration of Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, to the pious practice of the Way of the Cross or other forms of devotion,
• or if at least they will recite the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters,
• with the will to fulfill the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the Holy Father's intentions), as soon as possible, when the suspensions are lifted.

Especially in this challenging moment, seeking an indulgence is a way of doing something spiritually and a way of praying for ourselves and for others.
 
In addition, health care workers, first responders, family members and all those who, following the example of the Good Samaritan, exposing themselves to the risk of contagion, care for the sick of Coronavirus according to the words of the divine Redeemer: ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’ (Jn 15: 13), will obtain the same gift of the Plenary Indulgence under the same conditions. 

March 25, 2020 - Stay Connected

As we go through these unprecedented times, let’s stay together. Visit this website for updates, resources and ways to stay involved in the faith, and connected with St. Hubert Parishioners. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sainthubertchurch or stay connected electronically with emails sent through Flocknotes. (Look for the icons at the very top right corner of our website to quickly access these pages.) We are looking for more ways to connect with everyone, and hope to provide additional opportunities soon, especially as we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week.  

A Spiritual Communion Prayer Service will be available every Sunday throughout this time when we do not have Mass. It is patterned after the Mass, is unique to St. Hubert with a reflection by Fr. Mike, and provides a way to keep our community connected and in prayer. When we cannot receive the Eucharist in person, we can still receive it by desire. Spiritual Communion is a profound prayer of longing to be with Christ. If you have a crucifix or an image of Christ on holy card or a statue, consider using it as a focal point for your time of prayer. Click the box "Spiritual Communion" on the front page of our website.

March 20, 2020

Dear St. Hubert Family,
 
It’s with great sadness that I have to share some more news about being together to celebrate Mass in the midst of the all that is happening with COVID-19.  As you may have heard, yesterday afternoon Cardinal Cupich further extended the suspension of all public celebrations and liturgies including Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter.  All we know at this point is that the suspension is until further notice. 
 
For a complete set of directives, visit the Archdiocese website:
www.archchicago.org/en/statement/-/article/2020/03/19/the-archdiocese-of-chicago-distributed-the-following-guidelines-and-policies-to-clergy-and-parish-sta-1
 
The Things We Will Never Lose
We will miss the great Catholic traditions that have become part of our spiritual life—like receiving palms, washing of the feet, the veneration of the cross, the great symbols of light overcoming darkness in the Easter Vigil and the celebration of Easter Sunday when the church is filled with life, song, and joy.
 
We have to hold onto knowing that the things we value and treasure—the pearl of great price as Jesus would say—cannot be taken away.  We may not be able to fully express our faith and traditions, but we have faith in God, faith in each other, and faith that we will get through this so we can practice our traditions once again.  But we don’t have to do this alone.  We need to stay connected and try to do this together.
 
Food for the Journey
Just as we are making sure we have essentials to keep our bodies healthy and fed, we need spiritual nourishment too.  We created a new page on our website for resources that can be of help us—everything from links for Masses, to other spiritual practices.  We will keep updating it as the weeks unfold.  See: www.sainthubert.org/journey
 
We’re also pleased to announce that we’ve partnered for the next month with Formed.org—a resource free of charge to you that is packed with a lot of spiritual tools, prayers, bible studies, devotionals, you name it.  When you access the site, sign in under the prompt that says “I belong to a parish or organization” and follow the steps. You’ll have resources at your fingertips in less than a minute.  Here’s a link: www.formed.org
 
Spiritual Companionship
Tomorrow we’ll send you this week’s Spiritual Communion prayer service—something unique to our parish.  It intentionally follows the rhythm of the Mass and is specific to our needs at St. Hubert.  Parishioners have told me it has been great to pray with the family or those in the house with you, but also is just as meaningful praying alone.  Please look for that tomorrow afternoon and consider praying it as a way to connect our lives with each other even though we cannot be physically together.
 
Please also know that every day I say Mass (alone) for all of you and for all that you are going through.  So please stay connected.  If you have a prayer request, or someone you would like us to pray for please click here: www.sainthubert.org/prayer-request
 
If you would like to offer a Mass for someone in your life, please call the Front Office at 847-885-7700 x102 and I will be sure to offer it for you.
 
Be Alert—Scams Are Still Happening
I’m getting word that someone is still trying very hard to impersonate me and is trying to get parishioners to buy gift cards or give money.  Please know I would never do that.  Always look for clues, like the email address…it’s usually a gmail account, sometimes with my name or even the parish’s name.  It’s also usually signed Rev. Mike Scherschel, which I don’t use unless it’s an official document.  Those kinds of messages are not from me.  I do not have another account other than at sainthubert.org.  I’m very sorry for the inconvenience that this person or these people are causing.   When in doubt, please call me.
 
Finally—We Need Donations To Keep Going
With so many things shutting down, our hearts go out to those losing income to make ends meet.  Our parish home is feeling the same thing.  We rely on Sunday contributions to keep us going, to keep our church and school buildings functioning, to pay staff, and to do our ministries—even though disrupted in so many ways.  
 
We’re grateful to all of you who have been keeping up with your contributions either through the mail, dropping them by the office or giving on-line at Give Central.  You can even make a one-time donation on Give Central if it’s not something you want to do long term.  There are prompts to give as a guest for this purpose.
 
https://www.givecentral.org/location/407/events-list-basic
 
Even though we aren’t together, let’s stay connected.  And let’s hold onto the most valuable treasure we have—our faith in God and our faith in one another.

  --Fr. Mike

March 16, 2016

St. Hubert Parishioners,
 
As we travel through this period day by day, we need to hold each other in prayer and to rely on our faith.  As the author in the letter to the Hebrews urges us, let’s “Keep our eyes fixed on Christ” (Hebrews 12:2).   As such, please know our church building is now open for personal prayer on weekdays from 6am-10am.
 
On Wednesday, March 18, we’re going ahead with 12 hours of prayer beginning at noon for those who feel a need for it and are not in a vulnerable group.  Please note, however, that Deacon Allen’s Adore & Worship prayer time from 7pm-8:15pm on 3/18 has been cancelled. 
 
To help with your parish needs, our front office will remain open for the time being. However, all liturgical events (such as Stations of the Cross), ministry meetings and events have been cancelled.
 
Because we do not have the normal Sunday offering right now to help keep our operations going, please consider a one-time gift, or using electronic giving going forward. You can learn more at: www.givecentral.org/location/407/events-list-basic .  If you normally contribute with envelopes, please consider mailing them or dropping them by the parish office.  Thank you for considering it.  St. Hubert is known for the ways we help one another in times of trouble.
 
Jesus urges us to come to him and he will help shoulder our burden (Mt 11:28).  So, let’s keep our eyes fixed on him. And let us pray for each other,

March 14, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to share with you a video message of support and hope from Cardinal Cupich during these challenging times. I encourage all pastors and school principals to share this message with our parish and school families, as well.
Peace,
Bishop Ron Hicks

March 13, 2020

Masses Have Been Suspended Until Further Notice
I never thought I’d have to deliver news like this.  Because of the recent events surrounding COVID-19, Cardinal Cupich mandated the suspension of Masses and liturgical services until further notice—beginning with tomorrow’s 4:30 PM Mass.
 
In this notice, you’ll find:

• The Archdiocesan communication with the mandate to suspend services.
• What we can do as a parish to stay connected and focused on Christ during this extraordinary time.

The Statement of the Archbishop:
Based on current guidelines from local public health departments, which recommend the cancellation of public gatherings involving 250 or more people, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective Saturday evening with the  regularly scheduled weekend services. In addition, he has mandated the closing of schools operated by the archdiocese, and to close the [Archdiocese of Chicago’s] Pastoral Center and related agency offices until further notice.  (Please note St. Hubert Parish Offices will remain open with our standard hours. However, because things are changing rapidly, you may want to call ahead if you want to come in.)
 
“This was not a decision I made lightly,” said Cupich. “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.”

For the full statement, click here: https://www.archchicago.org/en/statement/-/article/2020/03/13/statement-of-the-archdiocese-of-chicago-on-the-suspension-of-public-celebration-of-mass-the-temporary-closure-of-archdiocesan-schools-the-pastoral-cen
 
What to Do in the Meantime: Opportunities for Prayer at St. Hubert
We will begin suspending Masses starting with tomorrow’s 4:30 PM Mass.  That said, we will remain open for private prayer beginning at noon on Saturday through 9 PM.  We will continue to hear individual confessions Saturday evening beginning at 5:30 PM. 
 
On Sunday, the church will be open for private prayer from 7 AM until 7 PM.  Again, no Masses will be said.  If you’re over 60, or if your currently feeling sick, please be prudent about coming in for prayer.
 

• We encourage everyone to watch Mass live or on-line.  Here are some options:
  • Mercy Home in Chicago:  Mass airs live on Sunday at 9:30am on WGN   Or watch it on demand at: www.mercyhome.org/sunday-mass/
  • Catholic Extension Society: Mass will begin streaming Sunday on-line at 9 a.m. central time, but will be available all day at: https://www.catholicextension.org/stories/sunday-catholic-mass-online
  • EWTN: On Demand Masses are available daily at  https://www.ewtn.com/tv .  Their TV Mass Schedule is as follows: Sundays 7:00 & 11:00 AM; Daily Mass 7:00 & 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
  • Sunday Masses are available on Demand at:  https://www.heartofthenation.org/online-mass/sunday-mass#/

 
When we cannot receive the Eucharist in person, we can still receive it by desire. Spiritual Communion is a profound prayer of longing to be with Christ.  If you have a crucifix, an image of Christ on holy card or a statue, consider using it as a focal point for your time of prayer.
 

• We also encourage individuals and families to gather together to read the Sunday’s scripture readings, and reflect on God’s word in your life.  The gospel this Sunday is the moving passage of Jesus’ encounter of the Woman at the Well, with a discussion that ensues about thirsting for God.  It is a very timely gospel that moves the heart to reflect on the power of the Eucharist in our lives, and the longing we have for it.
  • Sunday & Daily Readings: USCCB.org http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031520.cfm

 

• If you love music, spend some time in prayer listening to sacred music.  Go to your favorite site, or try the 24-hour streaming site: www.greatcatholicmusic.com/

 

• I have also been hearing about a renewed interest in electronic giving—a way of giving that is in-line with the way many people work today but is also a way to give if you cannot be physically present. To learn more about our electronic giving platform, visit Give Central at www.givecentral.org/location/407/events-list-basic  (If you need help setting up an account, please contact Teresa McCutchan in the Business Office.)

 

• And for those who want to keep up with parish life, here is a link to this week’s bulletin. Please note some of the events may have been postponed or cancelled: https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/12994/bulletins/20200308.pdf 

St. Hubert School
Cardinal Cupich also decided to temporarily close all Archdiocesan Catholic Schools beginning on Monday, March 16.  Our students will begin an electronic learning (e-Learning) program which they can do at home.  They will go on Spring Break, as already scheduled, between March 20 and March 29.  We will follow the Cardinal’s mandate until further notice.
 
Religious Education & The Eucharist Workshop
All Religious Education programs are suspended until further notice as well.  The Eucharist Workshop, originally scheduled for March 14, has been cancelled.
 
Anointing of the Sick & Confession
I will continue to anoint the sick and hear confessions upon request.  Right now, most nursing facilities are not allowing in visitors, so please check the policy to ensure I can visit.  I will also continue to be available for Confessions either at 5:30 PM on Saturdays or upon request.  Please give me a call to schedule a time:  847-885-7700 x106.
 
Funerals & Weddings
We will not turn down a funeral Mass or postpone any weddings. The concern right now is that crowds that exceed 250 people; we will work with the funeral homes and families to meet their needs.
 
What About Non-Liturgical Ministries & Meetings?
The mandate is for Masses and Liturgical Celebrations because they have the ability to draw in over 250 people.  For non-liturgical ministries, please contact the head of your ministry to inquire about meetings, prayer services or events.  Please note, if you’re 60 or over, or if you feel sick in any way, it’s prudent not to attend. If you cannot reach your ministry head, please call the parish office.
 
Schaumburg Township Services
Schaumburg Township will continue services such as benefit assistance, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, transportation, food pantry, passports, Assessor’s Office and more. They are also working to move any social programs online where possible to continue serving the community and battle social isolation. The Township will also continue to be a polling place for the primary elections on March 17, 2020.
 
Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry is Open
The food pantry at Church of the Holy Spirit will remain open on Thursdays from 2  PM until 5 PM. 
 
The nice thing about technology is that it allows us to stay connected during extraordinary times like these.  Nothing will ever replace being together to worship in faith, but our desire for it is what will get us through until we reunite at the altar of sacrifice.   In the meantime, let’s continue to pray for one another, pray for our parish, and pray for all those who are coping with the COVID-19 virus. 
 
May God bless you and give you peace,

--Fr. Mike 

March, 9 2020

Coronavirus Letter to Parishes & Schools

Dear Saint Hubert Parish and School Community members,
 
We have been monitoring the news about the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly the cases identified in the Chicago area. The archdiocese has issued guidelines for worship services based on advice from public health authorities and we have joined with the Holy Father in praying for all affected by this epidemic.

We are writing today to share developments that may have an impact on some archdiocese facilities. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has recently confirmed a case of COVID-19 involving a staff member at Vaughn Occupational High School, a Chicago public school. The CDPH has stated that the immediate health risk to the general public from this case remains low. The CDPH recommended that anyone present at Vaughn School between February 25 and March 6 self-quarantine. The CDPH and CPS also advised that:

“People who were not at Vaughn between February 25 and March 6 do not have restrictions at this time, even if they have been in contact with someone at Vaughn. They can attend work and school, as long as they are not sick. This applies to:

• Family members, care providers or those who share a household with Vaughn students, staff, and service providers
• Students, faculty and staff at other schools or other members of the community who may have come into contact with members of the Vaughn community
• Students who shared the bus with Vaughn students”

Based on this guidance, and our own contacts with CDPH and Illinois Department of Public Health we are not closing archdiocese schools where a student or staff member has a connection with Vaughn.
We will follow the same guidance for other cases of secondary family exposure. Students and staff with a family member who might have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case will be allowed to attend work and school, as long as they are not sick

The health and safety of our Parish and School communities is our first priority. We ask that you join us in protecting our community by following the guidance of public health authorities and your medical provider. It is critically important that our community share only trusted sources of information. 

For the most reliable information, please visit:

• Chicago Department of Public Health www.chicago.gov/coronavirus CDPH has developed an FAQ that will be updated regularly as the situation develops.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health www.dph.illinois.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. 

We will continue to follow the guidance of local, state, and federal health officials will update you as our situation changes or more information becomes available. Please email preparednessaoc@archchicago.org if you have concerns or questions of the archdiocese or the Office of Catholic Schools.

As a faith community, we must respond with compassion and prayer to everyone affected by the COVID-19 epidemic around the world, particularly those who do not have access to medical and community support. We will include these brothers and sisters in our prayers for the sick and those who have died. Please keep our community in your prayers and know that we are praying for you.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop Ron Hicks                               Dr. Jim Rigg
Vicar General                                      Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools

March 3, 2020

New Directives: Liturgy & the Coronavirus

The Archdiocese of Chicago is closely monitoring the news regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19 and actively planning for any potential circumstances. We are adhering to all guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
Below are guidelines regarding liturgical considerations based on those established by the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship. It is to be implemented in all parishes within the Archdiocese of Chicago immediately until further notice.  Also included:

• General information from the CDC for individual preventive measures and travel guidelines
• Links to the public health information sources.  

Conditions and best practices can change, so we will keep you posted.

Liturgical Celebrations

During all Masses and liturgies everyone should:

• Refrain from physical contact during the Sign of Peace (note: the Sign of Peace can be exchanged without physical contact)
• Refrain from distribution of Holy Communion via the chalice (except the priest who must consume)
• Given the frequency of direct contact with saliva in the distribution of Holy Communion on the tongue, individuals are highly encouraged to receive Holy Communion reverently in open hands for the time being.
• Refrain from holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer.
• Refrain from using Holy Water fonts. Please note that at St. Hubert, our font has a flowing stream of water so that it doesn’t remain stagnant.