Mar 27, 2020

Coronavirus Update -- March 27, 2020

The Bishop's just issued directives for Catholic Life in the Diocese of Great Falls - Billings, following the shelter-in-place mandate of the Governor.


Some of the key points:
"Parish churches will remain open for private prayer as long as no more than 10 people assemble in the church and social/physical distancing (a minimum of 6 feet) is maintained."
Thus, Corpus Christi Parish will remain unlocked for all our usual times.


"Confessions should continue to be made available under conditions that are deemed appropriate by the pastor of the parish while providing for social/physical distancing. No more than 10 people at a time should be allowed in the Church."
Thus, Corpus Christi Parish will remain unlocked and maintain the usual confession times in the confessional room in the church. Wednesday-Saturday 4:30-7pm and Sunday 9am-1pm [note, confession times will cease after Wednesday of Holy Week]


"Eucharistic Exposition is not allowed because it is a 'public action.' If parishioners come into the church (no more than 10) they may simply adore the Lord before the Blessed Sacrament in a Tabernacle."
Thus, Eucharistic Adoration will be suspended at Corpus Christi at least through Easter - but the faithful are still welcome to come to the church for prayer and to adore the Lord in the Tabernacle.


"There are to be no public celebration of the Liturgies of Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter."
Thus, public Masses remain suspended, at least through Easter Sunday. Father Ryan will continue to offer a private Mass daily, and will celebrate the Triduum Liturgies privately as well. Note, the church will be locked during the Triduum Liturgies themselves, but will be open for private prayer during other times throughout the Triduum [more details will follow].



Confessions
Saturday, March 28
4:30-7pm

Sunday, March 29
9am-1pm

Wednesday, April 1 to Saturday, April 4
4:30-7pm

Sunday, April 4  (Palm Sunday)
9am-1pm

Holy Week Confessions (April 8-11) will be significantly reduced hours and will be announced at a later date.