Dear Cathedral Parish Family,
Below is a message from Bishop Stika canceling public celebrations of the Mass until such a time as we can safely resume public gatherings.
This is a painful and penitential step in our effort to safeguard public health. Please know that we are all sharing in the Passion of Christ this Lent and pray that we will soon be able to celebrate together with the full joy of Easter. The Bishop’s message follows.
“Effective March 20th, the public celebration of Mass in the Diocese of Knoxville will cease. Priests, however, will continue to celebrate daily Mass. I have also requested that all small Adoration Chapels be closed, but all churches remain open with daily adoration. People thus will have the chance to spread out.
I do this with great regret but with prudence and care for all. Many parishes will broadcast Mass, and I plan to broadcast daily adoration from my private chapel.
This is the great Lent of the Church.
I have also mandated that all parish and diocesan meetings be postponed until after this Crisis has passed.”
In Christ,
Fr. David
Very Rev. David A. Boettner, V.G.
Vicar General – Diocese of Knoxville
Rector – Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus