March 27, 2020

Dear Parishioners and School Families,

First and foremost, we hope you are well and staying healthy during these trying times. We very much miss seeing you at church and school, and we look forward to when we can come together again as a congregation and school community.

We are saddened to have to share that our Easter celebrations will be impacted by the virus. The Chrism Mass will not be celebrated publicly on April 7. Holy Oils will not be distributed until the health crisis is over. Palm Sunday and Holy Week Liturgies, including Easter Sunday, will not be celebrated publicly in our parishes. This is extremely difficult news to hear and to share, and our hearts bleed with the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Cross in this time.

Despite changes due to the virus, staff for both parishes and schools remain operational and continue to support parishioners, students, and families. Teachers are planning daily and teaching online school. We are extremely grateful to the faculty of Blessed Sacrament and Queen of Peace for swiftly and effectively implementing online teaching, and for helping students adapt to new learning strategies. We are extremely blessed to have such dedicated educators on our teams. Thank you to the school families who have also worked to make this a smooth transition.

Even with the changes that have taken place, many things still remain the same. Employees are receiving pay and health insurance, and bills continue to come in and be paid. This aspect of our business has not changed. That is why we are asking you to continue to support your parish and school in the coming weeks and months in the following ways:

1 – Continue to pay tuition as it helps pay teachers’ salaries. Families who have lost jobs due to the virus may be eligible to temporarily defer payments. Call your school principal to discuss.

2 – Contribute weekly Sunday donations online at www.bellevillecatholic.org, click “Make a Donation” on the homepage. Donations to both parishes can be made here, and the process to setup recurring donations is simple.

Donations can also be mailed or dropped off to the parish office at 8707 W. Main Street in the secure mail slot to the right of the front door. You can also drop donations in the locked mailbox at the priest residence at 5923 N. Belt West.

3 – Continue to support annual fund campaigns. Both schools have active campaigns in progress and rely heavily on these funds to support ongoing operational costs. Donations can be made through www.blessedsacramentbelleville.com and www.qofp.com.

4 – Pray for our families and parishioners who are all impacted by this tragic pandemic.

We know these are difficult times for everyone, particularly those whose health and financial well-being have been affected by the virus. We recognize not everyone is in a position to give, and that’s okay. Those who are able to support, no amount is too small, and we appreciate any level of support you can provide.

 

Sincerely,

Father Matthew Elie, Pastor

Claire Hatch, Principal, Blessed Sacrament

Michelle Tidwell, Principal, Queen of Peace