COVID-19 Info

Watch our parish’s live stream

TV Mass Every Sunday: 6:30 a.m.
Diocesan Catholic Mass on WREX-TV (NBC 13)
Watch Bishop Malloy's Sunday Mass, daily devotions, and Rosary on the Rockford Diocese website.

Online resources
Additional resources from the Diocese of Rockford
3/9/2020 Letter from Bishop Malloy: extension of Dispensation for Sunday Mass

Read Bishop Malloy's letter about a structured return to regular Masses beginning May 25 (pdf file)
BACK INTO HIS PRESENCE
To resume Masses at the Parish, the Diocese has implemented a Three Phase Plan. Parish Volunteers are a necessary part of this process. Prior to beginning each of the phases, a set of requirements must be met.

Phase I: Allows for parishes to reopen for baptisms, reconciliation, weddings and funerals with a limit of 10 attendees (not including ministers).

Phase IA: Allows for parishes to reopen for private prayer and adoration with a limit of 10 attendees.

Phase II: Allows for reopening for weekday and weekend Masses for larger groups depending on the guidelines from the state and the capacity of the church building with social distancing.

It is estimated that between 15-25% of total seating capacity can be accommodated. Please know that in order to fulfill the requirements necessary to resume the public worship of the Mass, it will take time to complete these requirements. In addition, when we move into each of the three phases, there will be some interim changes to the way we have worshipped in the past, such as social distancing, and others. Updates as to the progress will be posted on our website, sent in a Flocknote, and posted on the Facebook
page. Please help by sharing the information with other members of the parish and community.

During this time the parish office will remain closed until further notice, but calls will be received during the hours of 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., M-Th, and 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Friday, for requests and information.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time. God bless you and your families.

March 24, 2020
Dear Parishioners:
Yesterday Bishop Malloy and Pope Francis issued a Call to Prayer for Wednesday, March 25. Information was emailed and is also available on the parish website. 

Our parish is looking into live streaming the Masses and/or services for Holy Week and Easter.

• Holy Thursday, April 9th – Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m.
• Good Friday, April 10th – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 12:10 p.m; Divine Mercy Novena at 3 p.m.
• Holy Saturday, April 11th – Easter Vigil Mass at 7:15 p.m.
• Easter Sunday, April 12th – Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Please be patient as this is something new for us and with many other parishes across the country and around the world utilizing this platform, we have heard that there have been glitches. At the very least we are hoping to record these for viewing on the parish website.

During this time when we are unable to attend Mass, please take advantage of one of the many ways you can participate in the Mass: Sunday with Bishop Malloy at 9 a.m. online at www.rockfordiocese.org, via links on our parish website www.stmarystpatrick.org for Bishop Barron, pre-recorded on our parish app under the ‘Daily Mass’ tile, on EWTN channel or online at 7 a.m. (check your local listing). Do your best to follow along with the responses and actions whether sitting, standing or kneeling. When it comes time to receive Holy Communion, please say the Act of Spiritual Communion below.

An Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

With the suspension of Masses and the parish office closed many have asked about weekly Mass contributions. While the parish does not have online giving at this time, here are a few ways that may work for your family: If you normally would bring your envelope to weekend Mass, put that aside and when we are able to celebrate the Sunday Liturgy bring it with you then. Those of you who normally mail your contributions, that remains unchanged. If you bank online and utilize ‘Bill Pay’or would like to begin using that to pay bills, is another option.

FORMED is available for all parishioners to use free of charge to help you and your family access a variety of Catholic content. If you are not signed up, go to the FORMED PAGE and scroll down to create and account. The parish will continue to use Flocknotes to keep you informed as well as posting information on the parish website.

My continued prayers for you and your family during this time.

Sincerely in Christ,
Very Rev. Matthew M. Bergschneider 
Pastor

March 17, 2020
Dear Parishioners:
Today Bishop Malloy issued an updated letter regarding the coronavirus and how it would impact our diocese. Beginning tomorrow, March 18, 2020 all weekday and Sunday Masses will be suspended until April, 4, 2020. While we are unable to attend Mass physically, we should continue to pray daily, possibly praying the readings for the Mass of the day. The daily Mass readings can be found on the parish website or the parish app. 
 
In addition, the parish office will also be closed during this time. Parish staff will periodically check messages and emails but in a limited capacity. For those who need the Last Sacraments, this of course will be available. 
 
During this time St. Mary Church will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. till 12 noon for those wishing to make a holy hour or visit. Materials will be available at the Church for your private prayer needs. Confessions will be cancelled on Saturday, March 28 and Sundays March 22 and 29. Confessions can be arranged by appointment. Further information on the weekend of April 4/5 will be posted as we near that time.
 
The parish will use Flocknotes to keep you informed as well as posting information on the parish website.
 
I pray for our parish and for peace during this time. Please be patient and understanding as we trust in our Lord to help us in this difficult time.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Very Rev. Matthew M. Bergschneider