Dear Parishioners, In light of COVID-19 and the flu season, we want to communicate what we are doing at Holy Familyh Parish and what the Diocese of Madison is recommending. Attending Mass on Sundays and holy days is a serious obligation, and a serious sin to skip it, but those who cannot attend Mass due to illness or other grave reasons are not bound by this obligation. To go a step further, Bishop Hying has issued a decree, dispensing everyone in the Diocese of Madison from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligations until further notice. This means that all Catholics are permitted to miss Mass on Sundays for the foreseeable future, without being concerned that they are neglecting their minimal duties to attend at Mass. To see more of Bishop Hying's message regarding COVID-19, please visit their website: madisondiocese.org This is not to say that the faithful are prohibited from attending Mass; however, it is encouraged that everyone takes seriously this dispensation and take liberal advantage of it. In a particular way, we encourage the elderly and those who are immunocompromised not to attend Mass. As available, we will have hand sanitizer for public use. We need your help to keep HF a healthy environment too. If you're not feeling well or caring for someone with symptoms, please stay home. We will continue to monitor the situation and alter these plans as needed, in addition to taking any additional directives from the Diocese of Madison. I want to encourage everyone to keep up your lives of prayer whether you plan to attend Mass or not. In addition, join us in praying for all those who are victims of the virus and the health care professionals who are caring for those impacted. Masses, confessions, and other activities (except religious education classes) will be celebrated as schedule and will not be interrupted unless otherwise advice by the diocese and the bishop. Our school will be closed until April 3rd begining Thursday March 19th. If you are planning to come to Mass, you may approach to recieve Holy Communion either by tongue or hand. No one is obligated to recieve Holy Communion at every Mass. We are obligated to receive Holy Communion just once a year during Easter. When at Mass, please recieve only if you think you are healthy and are spiritually prepared. Together, we can do so much. Father Jorge