Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic

Archdiocesan Guidance

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is continuously consulting with pastors, lay leaders, state and health officials and others to make sure our parishes, schools and other facilities are safe spaces during the coronavirus pandemic.  For the most up-to-date guidelines on our policies, click the link below. 

Online, Radio and Televised Masses

Click here for links to parishes that broadcast Masses live online, on radio and television.

Liturgical Resources

Download free daily liturgical readings, pre-written prayers for the General Intercessions and other liturgical resources.

How to Celebrate Mass

Download a one-page PDF guide that offers suggestions for how to celebrate Mass at home.

Stay Connected

MyParish App

Continued communication with the faithful is critical at a time when they are being separated from their parish community and from the Eucharist. We are strongly encouraging the use of the MyParish App. You will receive instant parish notifications, participate in online Masses, daily Mass readings, archdiocesan and international news, prayers, broadcasts of the Catholic Baltimore radio show and so much more!

Flocknote

The Archdiocese of Baltimore periodically sends out email and/or text messages via Flocknote.

Also check with your parish about signing up to for your parish’s Flocknote messaging system to receive direct information from your local faith community.

Office of Communications

Media inquiries should be directed to the Office of Communications: communications@archbalt.org.

Catholic Center

Many of the functions of the Catholic Center are operating from remote locations. A very limited number of essential personnel report to the building on a daily basis. We are committed to serving our parishes and schools with the same level of responsiveness and attention that they expect and need.

The Catholic Review

The Catholic Review provides important ongoing coverage of the pandemic. You can sign up for the Catholic Review’s twice-a-week enewsletter here or by texting CRMedia to 84576. Visit the Catholic Review’s website at www.catholicreview.org.

Catholic Review Radio

Catholic Review Radio is a weekly news interview program produced by Catholic Review Media. The program features newsmakers, authors, entertainers and Catholic leaders from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and around the world.

 

Parish Resources

Prayer Resources

Click here for resources to help you pray at home and with your families during this difficult time. The prayer of the Church strengthens and binds us together.

Spiritual Communion

Those watching Mass online are encouraged to make a spiritual communion since they cannot physically receive holy Communion. Click here for more information and for a spiritual communion prayer.

Prayer Requests

In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul offered support and encouragement to his fellow Christians, urging them to “rejoice in hope, endure in affliction and persevere in prayer.”

In that same spirit, Archbishop William E. Lori invites all to share their requests for prayers for themselves, their families and loved ones. The archbishop will take those requests to the altar every day as he celebrates Mass.

Pray for one another that God may keep us always in his love.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Archbishop William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore and Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, invites all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and all members of the Knights of Columbus and their families to join him in praying a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary for protection against the coronavirus.

Daily Reflections from Archbishop Lori

At the beginning of the pandemic, Archbishop William E. Lori offered a reflection on liturgical readings or other topics. Click play on the accompanying video to watch the most recent reflection.

Click on the playlist button in the upper right hand corner of the video or the button below to see previous reflections. Audio files of the reflections are also available.

Additional Resources

Liturgical Resources

Click here for information on daily Mass readings, prayers, intercessions and more.

Sacramental Resources

Click here for resources on how to continue sacramental preparation during the pandemic.

RCIA Resources

Click here for RCIA resources on how you can adapt your usual practice during the pandemic.

At Home with Your Faith

At Home with Your Faith will help you and your family live your Catholic faith and grow closer to Christ.

Youth Ministry Resources

Click here for free online resources to help our youth continue to grow in their faith and closer to Jesus.

Hispanic Ministry Resources

Click here for Hispanic ministry resources and a list of online Masses in Spanish./
Haga clic aquí para ver los recursos del ministerio hispano y una lista de misas en línea en español.

School Resources

Catholic Schools Reopening Plan

The Archdiocese of Baltimore Department of Catholic Schools developed a comprehensive plan for the safe return of faculty and staff on August 24, 2020 and students on August 31 for instruction five days per week.

The plan is designed to maximize both safety and in-person instruction and requires strict adherence to all recommended safety practices, including social distancing and the wearing of facial coverings. The recommendations outlined in the plan provide guidance and support to all Archdiocesan Catholic schools to aid in the development of their individual plans for reopening.

Ongoing Support

As the world faces the effects of the coronavirus, we understand that our parishes, too, will be affected. Learn how you can support your parish family here .

Your support of archdiocesan-wide initiatives, including the 2020 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries, is also greatly appreciated.  Please call 443-263-1989 with any Gift Processing questions or concerns.

Please also know that Catholic Charities of Baltimore and St. Vincent de Paul Baltimore are working hard to continue as best they can to serve those in need in a difficult situation. 

Coronavirus News & Commentary

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Health Resources

Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The following are recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, please use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are feeling ill.
  • Cough or sneeze into the sleeve of your elbow or use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.

Additional Resources

FAQ

Why must churches close and other coronavirus questions answered.

Give Online

As the world is effected by the coronavirus, our parishes will be affected too.

Memorials

At this difficult time we remember our loved ones who have died.

Outreach

Catholic outreach to those in need is ongoing throughout the coronavirus pandemic.