Dear St. Peter’s Families,
Today the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph announced that public celebrations of the liturgy will cease, at least through April 3. To read the Diocesan updates, click
here
.
Please note that while this announcement pertains to all Diocesan churches and parishes, there has not yet been an official announcement regarding school closures after Spring Break. Tomorrow morning Diocesan principals will meet with superintendents about future educational steps. I will keep school families informed in a timely manner.
In addition to the Bishop's earlier announcement, the Parochial League has shared the following announcement:
PLKC Spring Sport Announcement
To better contain the anticipated coronavirus outbreak in the metropolitan area, the Kansas City Parochial League Board in conjunction with the Parochial League Office and Kansas City - St. Joseph Diocesan School Office has decided to cancel the PLKC 2020 spring sport season consisting of track and boys volleyball. Although this was a very difficult decision for the PLKC Board, they feel that their decision was made in the best interest of the health of participants, coaches, volunteers, and parents. Refunds will be processed in the next two to three weeks.
Thanks for your understanding regarding this matter and we look forward to seeing all of you in the fall of 2020.
KC Parochial President: Peg Clarke
Parochial League Director: Vince Fitzgerald
Superintendent of Schools: Dr. Dan Peters
Our St. Peter's Athletic Committee has also announced the cancellation of the Moms' and Pops' Tournament. Refunds will be issued to all those already registered.
I know that it takes a great deal of faith and flexibility to navigate the uncertainties that lie ahead. I appreciate the many messages of support and encouragement, as well as offers of help!
Please continue to keep healthcare providers, as well as first responders, in your prayers.
The Diocese has also shared these petitions, and I invite you to join me in offering them:
- For those who are suffering in the current outbreak of sickness, that they might be healed, and for the happy repose of all who have died from this sickness in recent weeks; let us pray to the Lord
- For scientists, health professionals, public officials, and all who are serving the common good in this difficult and uncertain time, that they will be filled with wisdom and understanding; let us pray to the Lord
- That in times of illness, our merciful and loving Father will strengthen our faith and trust in His goodness and divine providence; let us pray to the Lord
- That our compassionate Father would touch all affected by the current outbreak with healing and peace; let us pray to the Lord
God Bless, Angie Meyer
Message from Fr. Matt Rotert, St. Peter's Parish
Dear St. Peter's Families,
In an effort to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has instructed parishes to suspend all public Masses through April 3. You can read the entire directive from the diocese
here
.
We hope to set up a live-stream or recorded weekend Mass, and will update you later in the week on this process. Previously scheduled Mass intentions will be fulfilled.
In order to exercise the utmost caution, we are also canceling Adoration, Stations of the Cross, and RCIA, as well as all gatherings, meetings, clubs, bible studies, and events of any kind scheduled at St. Peter's through April 3.
As the diocesan statement indicates, the sacrament of confession will still be offered. We will keep the regular schedule of 5:15-5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and 4:15-4:45 p.m. Saturdays, and we will utilize the confessional in order to maintain proper social distancing. Funerals, should they occur during this time, will be generally limited to the celebrant and immediate family.
We will keep you updated via email, social media, and
website
as further information develops, including plans for Holy Week, and we will do our best to continue our ministries. As always, please contact the parish office with any questions or concerns:
email
or call (816) 363-2320.
This is a very trying time for us all, made worse by the fact that we cannot come together for Mass and fellowship as we long to do, but we can join in prayer and seek God's grace to help us. We will get through this; I am praying for you all.
In Christ,
Fr. Matt Rotert
