Ashes, as a Jewish sign of penitence, were accepted by Christians. They are derived from burning palms from the previous year.
This outward symbol of private or public sorrow, sadness, or penance, is a proof of humility, a remembrance of our mortality, that we are made of dust and will return to dust. The custom of imposing ashes, is a symbolic act signifying human mortality and total human dependence on the graciousness and mercy of God.
*Please note that these guidelines are subject to change based on any changes that occur regarding the coronavirus situation, including any changes to local or state mandates or recommendations.
October 29, 2020
Holiday and Holy Day Obligations for Advent / Christmas 2020
*Please note that these guidelines are subject to change based on any changes that occur regarding the coronavirus situation, including any changes to local or state mandates or recommendations.
**The above guidelines include a change to music ministry, allowing up to three (3) cantors based on following certain protocols.
September 21, 2020
Communion on the Tongue
Memo from Bishop Pates regarding the reception of Holy Communion on the Tongue, at the discretion of the pastor and under strict guidelines.
A letter from Bishop Pates regarding a change to gathering limitations in Will and Kankakee counties, and other notes regarding holding meetings and events.
Reminder: Bishop Pates' June 24 letter addresses what to do in the event that someone reports a positive test.
Letter from Bishop Pates to school pastors and principals/presidents of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Joliet regarding the re-opening of our schools - a clarification on information provided by the Catholic Schools Office prior to July 1, 2020
July 22, 2020
Schools
Letter from Bishop Pates to school pastors and principals/presidents of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Joliet - an update on school re-opening process.
July 16, 2020
Confirmation
Letter from Bishop Pates to priests, deacons, lay ministers regarding the celebration of Confirmation
Extension of school and youth formation event closure due to pandemic
E-mail to school pastors and principals.
- Governor Pritzker has extended the Illinois stay-at-home order through April 30. Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools, religious education and youth ministry programs shall be closed over this same period.
- During the extension of the closure period, Catholic school students will continue at-home learning and youth formation programs will continue remotely wherever possible.
Letter to priests & deacons with updated guidelines and information regarding Holy Week 2020, including Mass times, liturgical guidelines.
March 25, 2020
Postponement of certain celebrations
E-mail to priests and deacons:
- The Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has given permission to postpone the Chrism Mass to post Easter. The rescheduled event will include the activities that characterize this special day.
- The Adult Confirmation ceremony presently scheduled for April 19th will be postponed until we can confidently establish a date for full participation and attend to the organizational requirements.
- The ordination of Sam Conforti to the transitional diaconate is also being postponed until Saturday, May 2 at 11:00am. In the meanwhile, we pray for Sam and all the seminarians.
March 24, 2020
Live-stream Mass at Cathedral
E-mail to priests and deacons:
- Daily Mass to be live-streamed from the Cathedral during the COVID-19 outbreak, at:
- 9:00am by Fr. Burke Masters and/or Fr. Ryan Adorjan (YouTube Link)
- Until further notice, all services in Diocese of Joliet facilities are to be cancelled or postponed, including weekend Mass, daily Mass, and Stations of the Cross.
- Chrism Mass will be celebrated at the Blanchette Catholic Center (BCC) on April 6 and will involve limited numbers of participants.
- The Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate will take place at the BCC on April 4 and will involve a limited number of participants. Arrangements are being made to livestream.
- In addition to the above, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter services are cancelled.
- All diocesan, parish and institution offices are closed except under very limited circumstances.
- Other liturgical gatherings, provided they comply with the guidelines offered and recommended by the State of Illinois, and every precaution is taken to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Includes additional liturgical guidelines for services during the COVID-19 crisis
- The faithful are called to private prayer, reflection, and asked to consider supporting our parishes and institutions during this time of isolation - especially Catholic Charities, which will make every effort to continue providing services to the needy in our diocese.
- In a message from the superintendent on behalf of the bishop to all pastors and principals, all Diocese of Joliet Catholic school will be closed to class as of March 16, 2020. This will continue until further notice.
