The Archdiocese of Milwaukee Responds

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has been led by Archbishop Jerome Listecki since 2010. On March 13th the Archbishop issued a letter dispensing Catholics from the requirement of attending daily mass for the next two weeks. While masses would continue, the individual conscience of parishioners would dictate attendance. Furthermore, the broadcast of the Mass would be available via radio and television. Those who decided to participate were encouraged to supplement the mass with prayer and private reflection. This dispensation was no small matter. As Listecki points out, Sunday Mass Catholics had been required to attend Sunday Mass dating all the way to the 4th century. It was, in fact, a Catholic's "chief act of worship."

A week later the extent of the problem became better understood and on March 19th Archbishop Listecki initiated a short “daily reflection” series of videos. In the first video, Listecki acknowledges the fear and life disruptions caused by the virus. He notes that typically suffering in life is limited to the individual and his or her immediate relations.  But in the case of COVID-19 the Church suffers collectively. What is the response? Listecki notes that he issues this pastoral counsel on the feast of St. Joseph: the man whom the angel told: “Be not afraid.” To this end, Listecki councils that trust in God, not fear, should animate Catholics. He also encourages the faithful that he offered a mass for them, the people of the archdiocese. Since that initial video, a combination of Listecki and Milwaukee’s auxiliary bishops have issued a short video every day to guide the parishioners of the archdiocese.