To All Parishioners and Guests:
 
In response to the current health crisis, St. John Chrysostom Parish is making several immediate changes to our schedule. Please note that events are changing rapidly, and we will update you as promptly as possible.
 
We remind all of the faithful that Archbishop Perez has suspended the obligation to attend Mass during the current outbreak. We urge you always to keep your health and well-being, and that of your families, as your top priority.
 
Meanwhile, please note:
 
  • The Parish House is now closed to visitors, and our staff will be working from home. Please be assured that we remain here to serve you. We will be checking and responding to email and voicemail frequently during regular hours. All staff contacts are available here.
 
  • All ministry meetings and events, including all CYO activity, are cancelled through March 27.
 
  • Our morning Communion Service and Daily Mass will be cancelled March 17-20.

  • Tuesday evening Stations of the Cross are cancelled for the rest of Lent.
 
  • The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is closed indefinitely, and Eucharistic Adoration is cancelled.
 
  • The church will remain open for visits and prayer from 9 am to 4 pm this week. Please note that funerals are scheduled on some of these mornings.
 
  • Funerals will be held as scheduled this week.
 
  • As of now, Masses are still scheduled for March 21-22.

  • Parish Religious Education Program classes are cancelled through Easter Sunday, April 12. All PREP families should have received assignments and more information by email from Patty Briganti, Coordinator of Religious Education. For any questions, please email Patty here.
 
  • We will not publish a Sunday Bulletin on March 22 as bulletin deadlines are too early to allow us to provide you with the most current information.
 
  • The 2021 Mass Intentions Book will not open as previously scheduled on Sunday, March 22. We will advise when we are able to open this book.
 
We are deeply mindful that the current crisis presents an exceptional hardship for vulnerable parishioners who are now confined to their homes and for the brothers and sisters we serve around our community. If you are able and willing to help, we appreciate your consideration of these options.

  • Frozen casseroles and individual meals are in high demand by St. John’s Hospice and Aid for Friends. Please note that these meals must be prepared, packed and labeled with the guidelines and supplies provided by those ministries. Meals may not be delivered in other packaging. Supplies and instructions are available at the church exits. Please text or call Mary Chollet at (610) 955-3272 to arrange a time to drop off meals at the Parish House.
 
  • St. John’s is creating a registry of parishioners who have offered to shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, or run other essential errands for isolated parishioners. More information will be forthcoming shortly. Meanwhile, if you are in need of assistance or are able to offer it, please email Mary Chollet here.
 
  • Nonperishable food donations are always needed by The Bernardine Center in Chester. Donation bins are located at the rear church exits; items may be dropped off whenever the church is open.
 
Please join us in praying for all of those affected by this crisis, particularly our ill and vulnerable brothers and sisters, our health-care workers and emergency response personnel, families whose livelihoods are affected, and those workers who are keeping our essential services operating. May God protect and strengthen them.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
 
Fr. Ed Hallinan and the staff of St. John Chrysostom