Diocesan closures made to slow spread of COVID-19

Catholic schools closed; diocese cancels retreats, events to slow outbreak

Due to the threat of COVID-19, several diocesan events have been canceled or postponed, and some Catholic schools have closed for an extended period. For more updates regarding closures, visit dolr.org. For individual parish event closures, contact the parish office.

 

Catholic Schools

On March 14, superintendent Theresa Hall sent a letter to principals along with notes for parents that the schools would be closed from March 16 until at least March 30, when reopening will be evaluated. Spring break will be March 23-27.

Previously, nine Catholic schools in Central Arkansas switched to online instruction March 13.

Schools were set to provide Alternative Methods of Instruction, formerly known as Cyber Days, so online instruction could continue.

“I understand that this might be an inconvenience for some of your parents, but I believe this is the right decision for the well-being of the greater community. I continue to pray for you and your school families,” Hall said in a letter to principals.

 

Youth and Campus Ministry

• The Catholic Youth Convention in Little Rock, scheduled April 3-5, canceled.
• Campus ministries with parishes also have Masses suspended. College campuses that have switched to online courses and are closed, some of which have campus ministries, include the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and University of Central Arkansas.

 

Faith Formation Office

• Continuing Education for Clergy, scheduled for March 17-19, canceled.
• Diaconate training in Spanish, the last weekend in March, and in English, the first weekend in April, postponed.
• Confirmation ceremonies previously scheduled, postponed.
• Religious education typically follows local school closures

Family Life Office

• Pre-Cana class, scheduled March 21, canceled.

 

Respect Life Office

• Stations of the Cross with Bishop Taylor at the Little Rock abortion clinic March 27, canceled.
• Project Rachel retreats in March, postponed. A Day of Prayer and Healing April 18, canceled.

 

Catholic Charities of Arkansas

• End of Life Conference, scheduled March 21 at CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock, postponed.
• Immigration Services-Little Rock will continue to be appointment based. Immigration Services-Springdale will continue Tuesday morning consultations, but clients are asked to wait in their vehicles instead of in the lobby until their appointment time. Some appointments in Springdale may be done remotely.
• Westside Free Medical Clinic is not designed to screen or test for COVID-19. Therefore, no appropriate protective gear is available for the staff and volunteers. Westside director Karen DiPippa said the clinic plans to contact patients with a contingency plan, which may mean reschedules or postponing clinics. No new patients will be accepted at this time. Staff can be reached at (501) 664-0340, ext. 356 or for Spanish, ext. 335.

 

Knights of Columbus

Directives from the national Knights of Columbus Supreme Council have asked knights to cancel meetings and business meetings. State Deputy Roy Anderle said they’ve suggested K of C fish fries be moved to take-out only, though some have been canceled.

• Knights of Columbus retreat, scheduled March 20-22 at Subiaco Abbey for knights and their wives, canceled.

 

Other diocesan cancellations

• Safe Environment “Mass of Hope and Healing,” scheduled April 19, canceled.

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