The light of Christ, taken from the paschal candle, is shared by those who were received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil last April at St. Patrick Church, Galesburg. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

“With great sadness” on Monday evening, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, announced that the suspension of all public worship — first implemented as a coronavirus precaution on March 14 — will continue in the Diocese of Peoria at least through Easter Sunday, April 12.

“Holy Week and Easter rank as the most important moments we celebrate as believers of Jesus Christ,” wrote Bishop Jenky in a letter printed in full below. “During this difficult and painful moment, we pray for the peace that only God can give.”

The bishop’s March 23 announcement was the latest local Catholic response to the COVID-19 pandemic that, in the words of Pope Francis, is making “humanity tremble.” The death toll grows daily (nearly 20,000 globally, 800 in the U.S. as of March 25) and the daily lives of millions have been changed in an effort to slow its spread.

The pandemic has affected every aspect of Catholic public life this Lenten season. In the Diocese of Peoria, for example, all Catholic schools are closed through at least April 13; all parish activities, from public Masses (including funerals and weddings) to Friday fish dinners, have been suspended; and the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria is closed until April 7.

Catholic health care, however, is on the front lines of the pandemic as medical personnel risk their own well-being to care for increasing numbers of persons with COVID-19 in addition to other patients.

STAYING CONNECTED

But while complying with Gov. JB Pritzker’s “stay at home” order, Catholics are also finding ways to connect using technology, including live streamed Masses on social media.

Bishop Jenky said that, in addition to those liturgies originating in local parishes, Holy Week and Easter Sunday services will be streamed live through the diocesan website, cdop.org.

“It won’t be the same as being together in person,” Bishop Jenky acknowledged, “but it enables us to be united in ways that the current times make possible.

“In these difficult times when we each have to carry our own personal crosses, we do so in the hope of Easter glory,” he concluded, “I ask your prayers for me and for your priests. Please know that I am holding you close to my heart and I am praying for you daily.”

Following is the full text of Bishop Jenky’s letter dated March 23:

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A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP JENKY REGARDING HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

March 23, 2020

My dear friends in Christ,

Holy Week and Easter rank as the most important moments we celebrate as believers of Jesus Christ. As important as these great celebrations are for the proclaiming and strengthening of our faith, it is with great sadness that I must announce that the suspension of public worship will continue through Easter Sunday.

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC

The first words of the Risen Christ to his disciples were, “Peace be with you!” During this difficult and painful moment, we pray for the peace that only God can give. It is the peace that comes from having our sins forgiven and being united with God.

Beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing through Easter Sunday, these events will be streamed live through the diocesan website: www.cdop.org. A specific schedule will be announced in the days ahead. If your own parish will not be broadcasting these Masses, I invite you to join in the ones we will be making available through the Internet. It won’t be the same as being together, in person; but it enables us to be united in ways that the current times make possible.

In these difficult times when we each have to carry our own personal crosses, we do so in the hope of Easter glory. I ask your prayers for me and for your priests. Please know that I am holding you close to my heart and I am praying for you daily.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.

BISHOP OF PEORIA