St. James Suspends Public Worship

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 

In response to the “Protect Chicago” strategy announced by the Mayor last week, Bishop Lee has suspended in-person worship until December 16. While there is no evidence to suggest that live worship undertaken with appropriate protocols has contributed to the spread of COVID-19, and some churches of other denominations are currently still holding services, there is no doubt that, as the mayor has said, this is a ‘critical point’ in the pandemic, both within the city and the country as a whole.

 

At St. James Cathedral we will continue to live-stream a celebration of the Eucharist at 11am on Sunday mornings, but only those with an active role in the liturgy will be able to be present. The celebrations on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime will be suspended until further notice.

 

While this is a difficult and painful time, made worse by its proximity to major public holidays, we also see light in the darkness with the announcements concerning the development of vaccines which appear to be highly effective. I know you will join me in praying for as swift an end to this terrible time as possible.

 

Your priest and friend,

The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington