LINCOLN (SNR) – “Due to the new COVID-19 limitations in place today from our local, state, and national governments,” the Diocese of Lincoln released in a statement March 16, “effective immediately, all public Masses and communal celebration of the sacraments or other liturgies are indefinitely suspended in the Diocese of Lincoln.”
Priests were instructed to still offer the Mass privately, with pastors and administrators “especially” offering the Sunday Pro Populo – “for all people of the parish” – Mass.
General guidelines were communicated to diocesan priests to help inform pastoral decisions in light of the suspension of public liturgies.
The guidelines direct that the Sunday Mass obligation is dispensed throughout the diocese. Churches and chapels may remain open for private prayer, but protocol for social distancing must be observed. Communal penance services should be cancelled; however, priests are encouraged to make confessions available in outdoor or open-air spaces if the priest is not in a high-risk category.
No parish religious education programs are to assemble and no parish public events or gatherings that exceed 10 persons may be held, including weddings and funerals.
Father Nicholas Kipper, diocesan director of communications and moderator of the curia, called the move “painful, complicated and, frankly, inconceivable. However, we know that God’s grace is still at work. There is much uncertainty in the world right now, but we know with certainty that Christ has conquered death and is risen from the dead.”
Effective March 18, the Diocese of Lincoln announced that building access for both the Chancery and the John XXIII Catholic Center are closed to the public. Non-essential meetings and activities are cancelled until further notice and those employees able to work remotely will be doing so.
“The Diocese of Lincoln must be part of the solution in preventing the spread of the coronavirus,” Father Kipper said.
“While our offices are closed to the public, we hope to stay in contact with people by phone and through the use of modern technology,” he added.
“We should continue to pray for one another during these trying times,” the statement continued. “Catholics and all people should use this opportunity to devote time for prayer and spiritual renewal.” The statement included suggestions for prayer and other spiritual practices, as well as a reminder that a Mass for shut-ins is televised every Sunday in the Lincoln area on KLKN-TV at 9 a.m. and in the Hastings area on KSNB-TV at 9:30 a.m.
Works of charity
“As Catholics,” the diocesan guidelines read, “we can be a light in this time of darkness through the practice of the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.” Ideas for participating in works of mercy were listed, such as making phone calls to the homebound or nursing residents, or just to join in prayer with others; running errands for those who need to stay home; consider donating blood or plasma; and increasing giving to charitable organizations.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska put together information for those who might need access to their services during the country’s response to COVID-19. (Editor's Note: The link will have the most up-to-date information)
At this time, the Lincoln office will remain open during regular business hours. The CSS Facebook page will include information on hours, services, and ways to help.
In Lincoln, while the St. Francis Food Pantry will temporarily suspend shoppers from self-selecting items, CSS staff will prepare pre-packed pantries for households in need. Those in need may call 402-327-6200. Requests are taken Monday through Thursday starting at 8 a.m., and pickup times are the same day between 1 and 4 p.m. When one places a request, they should share information about any food allergies or dietary restrictions they may have.
CSS made several adjustments to their procedures, such as increasing the number of households served per day, coordinating delivery options for quarantined households, and providing personal care items, including toilet paper, soap, shampoo and the like, upon request.
Those with questions may contact Regional Director of Social Services Katie Patrick at 402-327-6223 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Catholic School Food Market program at Blessed Sacrament, St. Patrick and St. Teresa schools in Lincoln will continue as regularly scheduled. Participants should contact the school to confirm dates and pickup times.
The St. Teresa sandwich program in Lincoln is suspended until further notice.
The Hastings sandwich program continues with precautions in place, and the Hastings food pantry is also open, but they have temporarily suspended shoppers from self-selecting items. Instead, CSS staff and volunteers will prepare pre-packed pantries. Efforts will be made to deliver food to any homebound clients, and redistribution to outlying food pantries will continue as scheduled.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska also provides diapers, baby formula, personal care items, adult diapers, and more to walk-in clients during regular business hours. With questions or to make a donation, contact Client Relations Specialist Veronica Hotovy at 402-474-1600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Immigration services will continue by phone, but English and citizenship classes are suspended until further notice.
CSS provides cash assistance to those struggling to pay rent, utilities, car repairs and more. They take requests every Monday morning. The phone number is 402-327-6211 and the line opens at 9 a.m.
Appointments are typically based on a weekly budget, but in light of the coronavirus and its impact, CSS is actively raising funds to increase the weekly budget. Those with questions may contact Emergency Services Coordinator Marilu Cazares at 402-327-6222 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In Hastings, please contact Anne Van Skiver or Jane Broce at 402-463-2112. In Imperial, please contact Emergency Services Coordinator Tonya Olsen at 308-882-3065 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“Many people may be suffering from anxiety or loneliness,” added Father Justin Fulton, executive director of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. “The Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center can help with this, and has telehealth capabilities that can help people from the comfort and safety of their homes.”
Spirit Catholic Radio
Spirit Catholic Radio closed its public studios in Omaha and Lincoln, but offered many spiritual resources during the crisis. Spirit Catholic Radio broadcasts the Mass weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. Listeners may tune in to their local Spirit station, on the free smartphone app, or at spiritcatholicradio.com. They also broadcast the stations of the cross every day at 10 a.m. during Lent.
For families with children stuck at home, they recommended children enter the 2020 School Calendar Art Contest. Each year, Spirit Catholic Radio hosts an art contest. The winning designs are displayed in the station’s “School Art Calendar” and distributed to Catholic K-8 students throughout the surrounding areas in Nebraska. Details are available at spiritcatholicradio.com/art.
