St. Katharine Drexel Parish of Chicago

An Important Message From

Pastor Fr. Paul Whittington

Sunday March 22nd, 2020

Dear Deacons, Parish Leaders and Parishioners,

First, I want to say that I miss you terribly!  I hope you and your families are well.  I’ve been thinking of and praying for you.  May God continue to cover you in these trying times!  Remember!  This period of time in which we’re living is temporary.  We’ll get through this eventually!   Know that God is able!  I look forward to the day when our worshipping community will be able to resume.  Until then, let us continue to pray for one another.

Secondly, as I’m sure you know by now, Holy Week and Easter services will not be celebrated at the parish this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The Archdiocese will be streaming the liturgies of Holy Week from Holy Name Cathedral for those who wish to view them online.  I’m sure further information will be forthcoming from the Vicar General.  If/when I receive it, I will share it with you.

In a previous communication, I shared that the rectory chapel would be available for private prayer Monday through Friday.  Unfortunately, this is no longer available as a result of the Governor’s “shelter-in-place” mandate that is effective through April 7.  All churches, chapels, schools and other parish buildings must be locked until the order is lifted.  In addition, funerals and wakes must be postponed.  As I say this, two of our parishioners have made their transition in the last 24 hours.  The families will have to work out details with funeral homes.  I do not wish to share the family names without the loved ones’ permission.  There may be a backlog of funerals once this is all over.  Also, the parish office will be closed until April 7 due to the Governor’s mandate.  You may still call the rectory with any emergencies!

On another note, I had a wonderful teleconference with members of KPC Ladies Auxiliary Court # 181 this afternoon.  I am looking into the possibility of obtaining a free teleconference number so that I may keep in contact with you during this time.  We will have the opportunity to have prayer, emergency meetings, etc., given this capability.  I’ll keep you posted!

Finally, without our in-person gatherings for worship each weekend, we are unable to collect tithes/offerings.  I am asking, if you’re able, to mail in your offering to the parish or drop it in the mail slot at the rectory.  We have to continue to pay bills.  Please do not mail any contributions to the Archdiocese!  It is often difficult for us to get these contributions when we need them for parish use.  I am grateful, as always, for your financial support of the parish!

This Lent is for many of us quite challenging:  physically, mentally, emotionally, and, for some, spiritually.   And yet, I remain confident that “eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2: 9).  As we prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter, I pray that you remain joyful and hopeful.  The news that we hear or read daily can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, fearful and so on, but I believe that God is preparing each of us for something greater.  We are going to be bolder, stronger, more faith-filled and committed than ever after this pandemic is over.  I am believing God in this!  I encourage you to “hang in there”!  Remain prayed up and don’t forget to look after and remain connected to your family and parish family!  May God bless each of you!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P.