Press Releases/Statements

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

When church historians write about the Year of Our Lord 2020, I predict they will call particular attention to the “Great Eucharistic Fast.” COVID-19, the pandemic that has taken the lives of millions, obliged dioceses throughout the world to take the unprecedented action of closing our churches and effectively denying our people the opportunity to receive Christ’s Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Some scholars may point out that, as a result, Catholics in Europe and North America experienced what others have suffered for many years due to a shortage of priests or outright persecution, namely, the absence of the sacraments...

Click here to view Cardinal Tobin's introductory video and to read his pastoral letter.

On March 31, 2005, the Vatican confirmed that Pope John Paul II was near death. Tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray with and for the dying pope—now St. John Paul II. On Saturday, April 2, at about 3:30 in the afternoon, the Holy Father spoke his final words, “Let me go to the house of the Father.” A few hours later, he died...

What is peace? It’s the absence of violence, certainly, but it’s also much more. St. Augustine called it “the tranquility of order,” which is certainly an important aspect of peace. Peace is experienced personally and communally. When we’re at peace, we’re not filled with anxiety; our homes are not filled with loud arguments and discord; our neighborhoods and cities are safe and well-ordered, not threatening or chaotic; and nations, races and peoples live together in harmony and mutual respect without...

Following are guidelines for the Memorial of Saint Blaise blessing of throats, Ash Wednesday distribution of ashes, and the distribution of palms on Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. They still require wearing masks and social distancing by presiders, ministers and recipients, as stated in all of our diocesan directives. Also included are updates on the use of Holy Water.