Holy Name Cathedral

Weekly eNewsletter - Weekend of 05-17-19
May 15, 2020

Greetings Easter People,

As many of you heard, Cardinal Cupich shared the exciting news with all of us on Wednesday evening that we may begin our first step in reopening the doors of the Cathedral. I know this is not going to bring us back to our pre-Stay-at-Home days, but it is a positive step in reopening.

We will begin implementing the guidance from the Archdiocese, starting with sacramental events like weddings, baptisms, and funerals – all limited to groups of 10 or less. We will also begin offering the sacrament of reconciliation. These sacraments are all considered to be Phase I.

Following this, in Phase IA, we will also begin opening the Cathedral for private prayer, limited to 10 people or less. Both parts of Phase I & IA will require new procedures to ensure the safety of all who come into the Cathedral. In anticipation of this, our Reopening Task Force has been working on pre-opening preparations, hopefully to begin Phase I by the end of the month. 

To finalize specific dates for these initial steps, we are required to be certified by the Archdiocese, including new training for staff and volunteer ministers. All of this will begin today. We will keep you updated on the timelines for the various parts of Phase I. Given the size of our Faith Community, we know this will be a challenge to stay limited to small groups, but we are committed to keeping you safe and fully informed on our plans and new procedures.

Thank you in advance for your patience and prayers as we work to bring us back together again.
                                                       Walking with you,
                                                       Fr. Greg

Cardinal Cupich Announces New Guidelines To Open Churches
Dear Friends in Christ,

These 50 days of Easter, leading to Pentecost, are marked by unprecedented suffering, as humanity has fallen victim to a perilous contagion.

In addition to the threats to our physical wellbeing, we are suffering spiritually as the Covid-19 pandemic has required restrictions of our worship and active participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

Surely, there have been moments in history when governments and rulers have persecuted Christians and banned their public worship. This is not one of them.

Rather, the present restrictions come in response to an extreme medical emergency as local, state and federal authorities – specifically public health officials – legitimately fulfil their responsibilities to safeguard human life and the common good.

They have based their reasonable guidance on careful consideration of empirical data and the best available disease-mitigation practices as they seek to contain the pandemic’s rampage through our communities...

New! Fr. Greg's Spiritual Message
for the 6th Sunday of Easter

You can't miss this one!
NEW! Fr. Greg's Weekly Column - 05-17-20
Did you miss an earlier column?
Just Click Here to get access to all of them.
Thank you to those who regularly and generously give their treasure as well as those who give their time and talent to support the work of  our Cathedral.

Please sign up for recurring/automatic electronic giving – Just  CLICK HERE   or Text the words Holy Name to 77977. If you have any issues, you can email Ron Birch in our Controller's Office.
When the Cathedral is open for worship, face coverings will be required for all.  We would like to be able to offer a mask to those without one rather than turn people away. 

We invite everyone to participate in our new "reusable cloth" Mask Making Ministry. Whether you have a sewing machine and basic sewing skills or just want to help those who will make these masks, there is a role for everyone. Our goal is make 250 washable fabric face masks by the time the Cathedral opens.

You can participate in one of three ways:
  1. People with a sewing machine and basic sewing skills are invited to make masks. Instructions will be provided.
  2. Donation of fabric and supplies (100% lightweight cotton fabric, e.g. quilting fabric, sheets and pillowcases, thread, 1/4 inch elactic
  3. Donation of funds for us to purchase additional fabric and supplies

To sign up for any of the above and get more details, just CLICK HERE .

Donations of fabric and supplies (#2 above) can be dropped off at the door of the Rectory on Wabash Avenue, Monday - Friday between 10:00am and 2:00pm only.

Any questions, email Deacon Dan Welter or call him at (708) 363-2389.
Reflections with the Saints in the Days of Coronavirus
From Fr. John Boivin
Are you like the rest of us praying for a miracle? A miracle for an individual? For the world? What is a miracle? The word in Latin means “ a sight to behold ”; it requires divine intervention for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. No greater audience for a miracle than now!

Jesus, the human face of God, was a man of many miracles. But what was the first? His was through the intercession of his mother, Mary, at that wedding in Cana. Her directive to the servants was also her last words (not her last appearance) in the Gospels: “ Do whatever my Son tells you.”  Now that is important to remember: miracle can happen through Mary’s intercession and through our doing what Jesus tells us to do...

Click here to read about ways to pray with Mary in these difficult days.
Part #2 - Radio Interview with Edward Gordon - Pandemic
This is the 2nd half of the fascinating radio discussion on WNDZ-750 AM Chicago between host, Fr. Greg, co-host Mark Teresi, and Edward Gordon, author, lecturer, and historian (and HNC parishioner). Ed shares his thoughts on pandemics and the Church - part #2.

Everyone should register for our new digital communications, even if you are currently receiving these emails . We will be converting to the new set of communications vehicles to share our plans to reopen the Cathedral and all ongoing future digital communications.

Click here or on the image above to register for all of our digital communications. It will only take a couple of minutes. Thank you!
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
While We Celebrate Mass Apart
Daily Mass at St. James Chapel
The Archdiocese will continue to offer Daily Mass from St. James Chapel. You can access each weekday's Mass at 10am on the Archdiocese YouTube channel
This Sunday's Mass with Cardinal Cupich
Available at 4pm on Saturday, May 16