Letter from Fr. Juan regarding COVID-19 Closure – March 13, 2020
My Dear People, This morning as I was celebrating mass with our school children I spoke to them about not having fear. Fear is not from God. Fear should not be the driving force behind our decisions at this time. Caring for others and ourselves is the main focus of this time. In this spirit, I invite you to read the following changes Bishop Taylor has mandated throughout the Diocese of Little Rock. After listing his changes, I will mention a few items relevant to Christ the King specifically. Effectively immediately, Sunday Mass obligation is dispensed for all Catholics. Hence, beginning immediately Catholics are not required to attend Sunday Mass through the end of April. Nonetheless, we will have regularly scheduled Masses this weekend (March 14-15) so I can address this unprecedented protocol with our parish family. You are not obligated to attend Masses this weekend, and anyone who is elderly or has health issues or a compromised immune system should stay home. Anyone who cares for the sick or elderly should also not attend. Still, perhaps now more than ever we need the strength, comfort and grace of the Eucharist. Churches will be kept open for private prayer and Eucharist Adoration during daylight hours as an alternative to Sunday Mass. Christ the King Church will be open from 8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday. We will continue to do the same; we will, however, cancel daily Masses (English and Spanish) beginning Monday, March 16. Hence, no Mass on Monday, March 16....