Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Family,
 
I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy. As you may have seen, Cardinal Cupich recently shared our multi-phased plan for reopening churches in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Specifically,

• Phase I allows for parishes to reopen for Baptism, Reconciliation, Weddings and Funerals with a limit of 10 attendees.
• Phase IA allows for parishes to reopen for private prayer and adoration with a limit of 10 attendees.
• Phase II allows for reopening for weekday and weekend Masses for larger groups depending on the guidelines from the state and the capacity of the church building.

• Set-up team. Sample duties include ensuring that all supplies needed for each sacramental celebration/gathering are ready for use, entrances and exits are marked and propped physically open prior to attendees’ arrival/departure, windows are opened, etc.

• Greeting team. Sample duties include assisting in managing the flow of congregants as they enter the church, making sure attendees use hand sanitizer upon entering, are wearing a mask, and are reminded not to enter if ill; directing people to appropriate seating/waiting areas, etc.

• Cleaning team. Sample duties include maintaining and cleaning essential and trafficked areas of the church before and after the church has been used. Masks and gloves will be provided, if you do not have your own, in addition to approved cleaning/disinfecting supplies.

Please send us a message at kluciano@archchicago.org to indicate your willingness and ability to volunteer.  In the email please include your phone number and availability (either weekdays, weekends, or both).
 
Timing for Our Reopening
In order for us to reopen, we must establish and train the above teams.  We hope to have that accomplished by the first week of June, with the goal of opening sooner if possible.  Again, the need for your assistance cannot be overstated.
 
We will only open once the Reopening Leadership Team and I feel confident that we have the right volunteers in place and trained.  Your safety is primary concern. 
 
The reopening tasks and measures required to reopen are designed to protect our wellbeing and that of the of our broader community. A certification of readiness to reopen will be required by the Archdiocese of each parish at each reopening phase. Each parish is to complete an implementation template confirming completion of all action steps and demonstrating that there are a sufficient number of trained volunteers to execute the reopening plan prior to reopening.
 
 
As Cardinal Cupich has noted, from the first pages of Scripture we learn that we indeed are “our brother’s keeper.” Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed, “that they all may be one” (Jn 17:21) and commanded us “love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34). Our collective patience, willingness to help and the care we take to reopen is a demonstration of our unity and love for one another.
 
May God grant you His peace during this difficult time and may He manifest His love and presence to you in abundant ways.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Luciano at 708-562-3364 or kluciano@archchicago.org.
 
Sincerely yours in Christ-
 
Fr. Marcin Szczypula
Pastor

Please review the link below to learn about the current plan for reopening churches in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Check back here often to also keep current on any changes to these plans.  
https://www.archchicago.org/coronavirus/reopening

Decree of Cardinal Cupich - Dispense from Easter Obligation
Please see attached a decree from Cardinal Cupich to the People of God noting, mindful of our current circumstances and Canon law,
1. That the obligation to receive Holy Communion during the Easter season is removed this year due to the impossibility of attendance by the People of God at celebration of Holy Mass.
2. That each of the faithful initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist is encouraged to offer an Act of Spiritual Communion, in union with the entire People of God in the Archdiocese and throughout the world in this time of stress and difficulty.
3. That all of the faithful, in accord with the Tradition and Teaching of the Church, are urged to offer a perfect Act of Contrition, in complete dependence upon the mercy and love of God, in sorrow for all sins and with a firm resolve to confess all serious sin at the next available time.Click HERE to read the Decree.

Divine Providence church and school and Divine Infant Jesus church will remain closed until further notice. Both parish rectories will be CLOSED to parishioners and general public. Should you need to speak with a member of staff, please call DI at 708-865-8071 or DP at 708-562-3364. We will return your call as soon as possible.
Contributions:
Weekly offertory contributions to Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish can be made on line, mailed, or dropped off at either rectory. We ask you to prayerfully consider maintaining your regular weekly donation level or even increasing it during these times.
Access online giving at DI: https://www.givecentral.org/location/220   DP: https://dprov.churchgiving.com/

Bulletins are available at the top of this page and a limited number of paper copies will be available outside at both locations.

Important Information:
All Mass Intentions will be listed in the bulletin and prayed over by our clergy.
Weekly bulletins are available at the top of this page. A limited number of paper copies are available at both locations.
Confessions will be suspended until further guidance from the AOC.
First Friday Adoration at DP will be suspended until further notice.
All Music and Choir rehearsals are suspended until further notice.
Quilters, Exercise Group and Tai Chi are suspended until further notice. 

Please share this information with friends, family and neighbors who may not have computer access. It is our duty to help them and keep them informed! All and any information may change at any time. We ask for your patience as we navigate through this crisis.