Dear Catholic School Families,
I hope you are remaining safe and healthy. I am pleased to inform you that Cardinal Cupich recently released a video directed at school students and families. I encourage you to view this video and continue to pray for our health and well-being.
In addition, I encourage you and your family to join Pope Francis in a special prayer this Friday, March 27 at 12 p.m. (noon) CDT. The Holy Father will preside at a prayer service on the sagrata of St. Peter’s Basilica, that is, the platform at the top of the steps immediately in front of the façade of the church. While St. Peter’s Square will be empty, the Holy Father is inviting all to join him in prayer through various forms of communication.
The prayer service will be broadcast live on the Vatican website (https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html) and will include biblical readings, intercessory prayers and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It will conclude with Pope Francis giving the Urbi et Orbi Blessing, with the offer of a plenary indulgence for all those who listen to it live. The Urbi et Orbi blessing “to the City [of Rome] and to the World” is normally only given on Christmas and Easter.
May God continue to bless you, our community of Catholic schools and our world.
Yours in Christ,
Jim Rigg, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Chicago
