Green Bay Diocese Announces Closure of All Eucharistic Adoration Chapels
Dear Friends in our Eucharistic Lord,
After consultation with Bishop Ricken, and in obedience to Bishop’s directives released yesterday regarding the suspension of all public attendance at Masses and the curtailing of all other liturgical functions of the Church, I hereby direct the closure of all adoration chapels within the Diocese of Green Bay.
Although this is a very difficult decision and one of high emotion, it is necessary to protect the health of all of our people and to promote the common good. Adoration chapels often place people in close proximity to each other, and even though the numbers who adore may be small, the danger of infection because of proximity remains.
Know that our Eucharistic Lord Jesus is present in every tabernacle in every Catholic Church, and that during this time of crisis Bishop Ricken has asked pastors to open their churches for those who wish to come and pray. You may prudently decide to make use of this option to pray.
This directive becomes effective Friday, March 20th, 2020 at 12:01AM. The pastors of the parishes where the chapels are located have been made aware of this decision and will assist with the care of the Eucharist. This decision will be reviewed in mid-April.
In this challenging time, please be obedient to Bishop Ricken’s decision and act now to close the adoration chapels.
Blessings and prayers,
Fr. John W. Girotti
Very Rev. John W. Girotti, JCL
Vicar for Canonical Services and Associate Moderator of the Curia
Mission Team Leader for Catholic Charities and Living Justice
Diocese of Green Bay
1825 Riverside Drive, PO Box 23825
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301
920-272-8124