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We are thrilled to announce the launch of the COVID-19 Pastoral Resources website! Clergy, staff and volunteers across the Archdiocese of Chicago are tirelessly serving parishioners and school families, keeping everyone’s eyes fixed upon our Lord Jesus Christ during these extraordinary times.

These resources will provide guidance, inspiration and practical tools from the pastoral offices of the Archdiocese of Chicago. These include, but are not limited to, prayer and liturgical resources, faith formation resources for all ages and advice on how to accompany our neighbors as we face this global challenge together.

Please continue to check this website as it will be updated daily with new resources and information.
Reminder: Official Clergy and Staff Communications Sent to Archdiocesan Emails
Please note that all official communications from the Archdiocese of Chicago, including news, guidelines and resources from the Office of the Vicar General, are sent to all clergy and staff via their archdiocesan emails. Please continue to regularly check your archdiocesan email, as well as our intranet IZZY for the most current information.

Virtual Events
Radical hospitality is a cornerstone of the new reality we are striving for in our renewal efforts as an Archdiocese. During these extraordinary times we wish to offer the following virtual initiatives as a means for our parishes to build community and fortify our faith together. All are welcome!
  • Virtual Prayer Groups
    Small groups that connect regularly to pray, read and reflect on scripture, share prayer intentions and share helpful tips/resources (meet approximately twice a week).
    • Small prayer groups will meet English, Spanish and Polish.
  • Book Clubs
    Small groups read a selected book and meet  about once per week to discuss them.
  • Prayer Group for Engaged Couples in English
    The COVID-19 crisis has altered the way that each sacrament is administered in the Catholic Church. As health precautions become stricter for the health and safety of the greater good, engaged couples are now facing cancellations, indefinite postponements or smaller wedding alternatives that were unfathomable just a few weeks ago. The Archdiocese of Chicago is excited to offer a weekly virtual prayer group for engaged couples that have felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Led by a couple facing the same difficulties, this weekly prayer group will provide a sense of community, solace and reliance on faith that is sure to bring comfort. The virtual prayer group will take place on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. via ZOOM. To register, please click here and select “Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (James Erler and Krystle Frey | English)”.
For all schedules and registrations visit pvm.archchicago.org/events/covid-19-virtual-events.

Video Message from Cardinal Cupich
Please watch video from Cardinal Cupich with a special message for our school children and their families. Share this message with your parish and school families, as well.

Divine Renovation
A helpful resource guide has been compiled by the Divine Renovation Ministry team. Read "Helping Catholic Dioceses and Parishes Respond Well to COVID-19: Ministering in the New Reality" PDF here.

Chicago Catholic
Chicago Catholic Photo Editor, Karen Calloway has provided stills of the Mass tapings in three languages. Download stills taken from last Palm Sunday here.
Prayer and Worship Resources Ways to Unify Our Prayer During Holy Week
Candle in Your Window: Joining Together as a Community of Faith
To show our unity and that we are praying together for all those impacted by this worldwide pandemic, you are invited to put a candle in the front window of your home each night of Holy Week at 7:30 p.m. (sunset). Let the light of Christ, which dispels all darkness, shine in all our neighborhoods. Use this prayer alone or with your gathered family members.

Where to “go to Mass”
  • Holy Week liturgies and Sunday Mass from Holy Name Cathedral is available in English, Polish and Spanish via radiotv.archchicago.org/television/broadcast-masses. All Masses are also available at YouTube.com/catholicchicago and on the Archdiocese of Chicago Facebook page. Mass from Holy Name Cathedral is available every Sunday morning online and broadcast by ABC7 Chicago at 9:30 a.m.
  • Univision Chicago (WGBO 66) will also broadcast a 30-minute Spanish language Mass at 10 a.m. Sunday.
  • Polvision will also Broadcast Polish language Masses at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday.
  • Participate in Mass through your local parish broadcast, if available:
    • Facebook Live – check your parish or collaborative Facebook page
    • Parish Website – check your parish or collaborative website
    • YouTube channel – check to see if your parish has a You Tube account
       
Praying in Holy Week
  • LTP is offering virtual gatherings, including a Holy Week virtual retreat. To find out more and register through here.
  • Loyola Press has an online devotion that includes seven meditations on each of the Seven Last Words that you can spread over a week. (Link)
  • Via Crucis (Spanish)
  • Two resources in English for observing the liturgies of Holy Week at home
Ongoing Prayer Resources
  • The Office for Divine Worship has additional prayer resources here.
  • Liturgy Training Publications (LTP) has responded to the current COVID-19 situation by developing opportunities to pray at home in English and Spanish. (Link)
  • Magnificat is currently offering complimentary access to its at-home prayer resources (English | Spanish)
  • Daily Catholic Gospel is a free daily email resource providing reflections on the Gospel of the day (English/Spanish)
  • Liturgia de la horas / Spanish liturgy of the Hours (Spanish)
  • Liturgy of the hours (Link 1) (Link 2)
  • Pray the Rosary with a Seminarian from Mundelein Seminary every Wednesday (Link)
     
Online Giving
You can give to your parish offertory through a new, online giving tool created to support our parishes during this time at archchicago.org/offertory.
Social Media Resources
Faith On Facebook Toolkit

Easter Week – ALPHA Online Begins
Several parish communities from throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago are joining together to offer Alpha Online to anyone who is interested in exploring questions of faith in a safe, friendly, judgement free space through Zoom. The Archdiocese is serving as the host and providing technical support.

We invite you or anyone you think could use a way to connect during these uncertain times to join us. All are welcome, no matter their level of faith. There is no commitment, no cost. Come for the first night and then decide if you want to come back. We will be here for 11 weeks.

There are two options - Tuesday nights starting Easter Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday mornings starting Easter Wednesday, April 15th at 10:00 a.m. Each session will include a gathering time, a short film, and then a small group discussion. Some topics include: Who Is Jesus?, How Can I Have Faith?, What Does the Holy Spirit Do?, and Why and How Do I Pray?

Click here to sign-up for Alpha Online. A link will be sent to you prior to each session to ensure security. And please pray for this Alpha series and all who join together to explore faith.
Looking for young adult content online? The Office of Young Adult Engagement has gathered resources such as virtual small groups, online prayer, ongoing retreats and more to help young adults grow spiritually and stay healthy during this time of social distancing. To learn more, click here. If you have young adult resources that you would like to add to this page, please email Courtney Christensen at cchristensen@archchicago.org.
National Moment of Prayer
Archbishop José Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and archbishop of Los Angeles, will host a national moment of prayer. During this very trying time we will gather as a nation and pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. For more information visit the Los Angeles Catholics website.

Amate House Seeking Applicants
Amate House, a year-long leadership development and service program in Chicago for young adults between the ages of 21-29, is accepting applications for its next program cycle that begins in late July 2020. To learn more, please check out the Amate House website or contact Natalie Crary at ncrary@amatehouse.org or 701.388.4191.

Virtual Earth Day
The Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity is hosting a virtual Earth Day Prayer Service at 10am on April 22nd. RSVP through the QR code or by going to: tinyurl.com/VirtualEarthDay2020. Click here to see the flyer for more details.

Health Care
Finding Care When Uninsured: If you do not have a medical provider, are uninsured, or have limited or no income and believe you need non-emergency medical services, you can contact your nearest community health center (CHC) by phone and inform them of your need. They will work with you to coordinate appropriate care. CHCs receive funding from the federal government that allows them to charge each patient on a sliding scale fee based on the patient’s income and ability to pay. No patient will be turned away because of inability to pay. There are approximately 165 CHCs throughout the city of Chicago. You can find your nearest CHC at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Mental Health
Emotional reactions to this emerging health crisis are expected. Remind yourself, your family and your friends that feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed or having other symptoms of distress such as trouble sleeping is normal. If symptoms become worse, encourage them, and yourself, to reach out for support and help. The following are free mental health resources available to all Chicago residents:
  • Connect to a NAMI Chicago Helpline mental health counselor by calling 311 or directly at 833.626.4244
  • Connect to Bright Star Community Outreach's trauma counseling helpline at 833.TURN.123
  • Connect to free teletherapy services at Chicago Department of Public Health Mental Health Centers by calling 312.747.1020
  • For after hours support, contact Crisis Text Line which serves anyone, in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Instructions: Text HELLO to: 741741 to access a trained crisis counselor.
     
CRS Rice Bowl Resources for Holy Week
As we journey through Holy Week and conclude our Lenten journey, we encourage families to utilize CRS Rice Bowl resources, available in English at crsricebowl.org and in Spanish at crsplatodearroz.org. In addition to daily reflections, meatless meals, videos, and worksheets, there is also a digital Stations of the Cross.

CRS Rice Bowl Collection: CRS Rice Bowl supports hunger and poverty alleviation efforts both around the world through CRS (75% of gifts) and also here in the U.S. (25% supports local programs). This global/local connection is important as communities in the US and around the world are both struggling with the economic impacts of COVID-19. Below are multiple ways to give:
  • Online: English | Spanish
  • Phone: Call 877.435.7277 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. Be sure to tell the operator that the gift is for CRS Rice Bowl.
  • Mail: Please write “CRS Rice Bowl” in the memo line of your check and mail it to: Catholic Relief Services CRS Rice Bowl P.O. Box 17090 Baltimore, Maryland 21297-0303
     
Virtual Accompaniment
A number of parishes around the archdiocese have begun mobilizing ministers of care, youth, and other ministry leaders to reach out to elderly and vulnerable parishioners. These efforts are a wonderful way for us to build community, despite the challenges of social distancing. We encourage all parishes to do this “virtual accompaniment” to the extent that they are able. This document provides some helpful suggestions and tips to help your community get started. Please contact the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity at ohds@archchicago.org if you would like additional support with developing your own parish initiative.

Catholic Charities - Updates
COVID-19 Services/Response:
Our thanks to the remarkable staff, partners, donors, and volunteers who are helping us meet the needs of those least able to navigate these unprecedented circumstances. We are in your debt.

Service Update
  • For urgent needs, please call 312.655.7700
  • Meals to go are available at Congregate Meal sites and Senior Centers. Catholic Charities has suspended all senior group activities and adult day care amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Our home care services continue, and are following a more sophisticated protocol as there are seniors who have no one to drop off groceries and provide basic hygiene assistance.
  • Food pantries and evening meal programs will continue to provide food depending on supplies and safe distribution protocols. Please check under Our Services/Emergency Services for locations and phone numbers.
  • Counseling, case management, and other services that can be provided remotely are being delivered accordingly. Please call your case worker or program contact if you need assistance.
     
How you can help
Due to COVID-19 exposure risks, we are unable to take donations of clothing or food from individuals or groups at this time.
  • Please consider a contribution. The need for financial assistance and program support for those who were only just making ends meet will grow significantly with lost wages and other impact from the pandemic.
  • Masks, hand sanitizer, paper towels, or bleach wipes are needed and can be dropped at any Catholic Charities location.
  • When shopping on Amazon, please use Amazon Smile and choose Catholic Charities so we might benefit from your purchase.
  • Volunteers needed to pack food at pantries. If you are not in a high risk category and are willing to help, please email Andrew McKernin at amckernin@catholiccharities.net. Protective gear provided. Health protocols enforced.
Thank the human service workers, first responders, and grocery/gas station/coffee vendors in your life and when you see them in action.

Prayer Hotline
This is an opportunity for those in need to connect with a human voice, to know they are not alone and to find strength through prayer. First, identify a team of one or more persons who will be responsible for managing the effort. Develop sample phone scripts and training for volunteers. If possible, consider the use of video calls as well. Determine how calls will be routed (e.g. a central line that automatically forwards, rotating volunteers based on time of day/week, etc.). Recruit parish volunteers who will be able to take these calls, provide the training and finalize plans for how calls will be routed. If possible, track any follow-up that may be necessary, and note trends that may arise during these conversations in order to better structure future ministry efforts.

Letter Writing
A simple way to offer hope to those who may need it most, volunteers can send encouragement through cards, letters, emails and pictures from children. Once you have identified someone to lead the effort, consider the method of outreach. This can be structured in multiple ways. One option is to establish a central site (e.g. an email address) to which volunteers send their items, not addressed to any specific person. These will then be distributed to those in need, such as residents of a nursing home, prison, or anyone else who may be lifted in spirit. Another option is to first collect the contact information of those in need, and distribute this to volunteers, who will reach out directly and hopefully, on a regular basis, going forward. After this has been decided and an initial recipient base has been determined, begin to solicit volunteers and provide any necessary guidance on content of the communications.


Census 2020
Census Day was April 1, 2020, but you can still fill out your census form! Participation in the decennial census is vitally important as census counts determine political representation, funding and statistics to plan for the future. It is important that everyone be counted. Please read the cardinal’s letter along with a signed proclamation in support of this nation-wide effort: Letter and Proclamation from Cardinal in Support of 2020 Census (English | Spanish | Polish)

2020 Census Partnership Pledge Form (PDF)

Parishes are invited to become partners in support of the 2020 Census. There are many ways parishes can promote the census in their respective communities, from distributing census educational materials to providing information on temporary job opportunities. Being a partner also means being kept informed on the status of the 2020 Census campaign. Please scan and send completed pledge forms to acastillo@archchicago.org or fax 312.534.5306.

Additional Resources from our Immigration Ministry:
  • 2020 Census Toolkit for Priests (Link)
  • 2020 Census Toolkit for all Pastoral Leaders (Link)
  • "Let's All Get Counted" 2020 Census Brochure (English | Spanish)
Ongoing Support Website
The Office of Lifelong formation has launched a website as a centralized location of guidance, best practices, resources and virtual safe environment policies for faith formation ministries. Please visit pvm.archchicago.org/covid-19-pastoral-resources/faith-formation-resources, which will be updated on an ongoing basis.

Safe Environment
  • Please note that the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth has issue additional, helpful principles for being safe online (Link). This and other safe environment documents, forms and guidelines are available at the COVID-19 faith formation website.
  • Some free online programs ask for an email login. For minors, please ensure that the account is set up using the email address of their parent or guardian.
     
Serving Parents in this Time of Crisis
It is important to remember that families face many challenges right now including e-learning at school, working from home while caring for children and financial stresses. The priority for faith formation programs should be to support families through communication, prayer and simple guidance for making time for God in this hectic time. It is recommended that you simplify your program expectations accordingly.

Serving Communities with Limited Access to Technology
We recognize that for many families digital resourcing may prove difficult or impossible. In such situations, you may consider starting a phone tree to ensure that families are supported:
  • Choose simple activities a family can do at home (like Scriptural reflection and prayer)
  • Assign catechists families to call each week and offer instructions
  • Ask catechists to offer to pray with families when they call
  • Use programs such as Google Voice to create a free phone number that works on smartphones and on the web (check out a free Google Voice tutorial video here)
Another option is to start a private Facebook group to share activity/prayer suggestions (learn how here). Many families who do not own a computer or tablet may still have access to Facebook via their phones.

Please note that it is currently not safe to access your parish or school building.


Prayer at Home Resources
The following resources (English) offer simply guidance for praying at home during this time of social distancing:
  • How to Pray a Livestreamed Mass (Link)
  • How to Pray the Rosary (Link)
  • How to Pray Lectio Divina (Link)
     
Sacramental preparation
It is recommended that parishes plan to resume sacramental preparation programming, if feasible to ensure that sacraments can be celebrated as quickly as possible when parishes again become open to the general public.

Currently, no firm date can be set for the resumption of the administration of sacraments. Here are some recommendations in communicating with those preparing to receive sacraments such as First Communion, Confirmation, Baptism and Marriage:
  • Be open and honest that you are not able to offer a timeline
  • Reassure them that normal activity will eventually resume and that you will work with them to ensure the timeliest celebration possible
  • Help them continue formation in practical, spiritually nourishing ways during this time
     
Holy Week Resources
For Adults
  • Virtual Stations of the Cross from Busted Halo (Link)
  • Pray for More Lenten Retreat (Link)
  • Take a virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel and other Vatican museums (Link)
     
For Children and Families
  • Seven Ideas for Holy Week at Home (Link)
  • The Way of the Cross for Kids video (Link)
  • Holy Week at Home Family Retreat (Link)
  • Holy Week Daily Readings and Art Activities from Messy Church USA (Link)
     
Marriage Preparation
  • PreCana is still being offered virtually. Learn more and register here.
  • Virtual prayer groups for couples preparing for marriage and grappling with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and register here.
     
Youth Ministry
  • Benedictine College has a trained youth outreach team of college students who are offering to put on a digital youth group night for individual parishes. This is a good option for a more customized experience. (Link)
  • NCYC Instagram LIVE: Going live at 8 PM ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to help encourage teens by talking to other teens, accompanied by adults. (Link)
     
Training and Spiritual Renewal Opportunities
  • ODB Films is offering free online trainings for ministry leaders. Learn more here.
  • Zoom offers free live training webinars. (Link)
  • Be Not Afraid is a free online conference for all those who are anxious, afraid, bored, spiritually starving, or isolated. (Link)
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