​COLORADO SPRINGS. The Knights of Columbus Assembly 88 wanted to make a donation to help with the COVID-19 crisis. In an April 22 Zoom meeting, Assembly 88, which represents 12 Colorado parishes, discussed many possible recipients, all of which were worthy charities.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Deacon Kenneth Huard died April 3 at age 75 after contracting the Covid- 19 virus/pneumonia. Burial took place April 14 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Education didn’t stop when Colorado Governor Jared Polis ordered all schools closed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

COLORADO SPRINGS. When the 2019-2020 school year started seven months ago, no one in the St. Mary’s community could have fathomed how the spring semester would unfold. In August it would have been unthinkable that the week before spring break, the entire school would move to distance learning from home as schools closed statewide in an effort to suppress the spread of the COVID- 19 coronavirus.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The coronavirus pandemic has not only led to a suspension of public Masses, it has also cast uncertainty on the celebration of other sacraments, including weddings, confirmations, and funerals. Following is a list of frequently-asked questions based on the liturgical guidelines issued by Bishop Michael Sheridan on March 20:

COLORADO SPRINGS. April 19 is Divine Mercy Sunday. Although a diocesan Divine Mercy celebration will not be held this year, Pope Francis has granted a new plenary indulgence that can be gained by praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for an end to the coronavirus pandemic, relief for those who are suffering and eternal salvation for those who have died (see “The Bishop’s Voice” for more information).

Bishop Michael Sheridan will recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy following his videotaped Mass for April 19, which will be available at www.diocs.org. Several other parishes are offering the opportunity to participate in Divine Mercy devotions, either in person or via Facebook:

Photos from a few parish events around the diocese in late Feb. and early March.

Quarantine and forced isolation do not have to be an obstacle to daily participation in the Holy Mass. Many dioceses and Catholic media outlets are offering ways to follow the Mass online or on television. Of course, it’s not always easy to be attentive and pious when attending Mass in this way. So here are some suggestions for how to do so with more devotion under these circumstances:

Editor’s note: Due to the cancellation of public Masses and other group events in the diocese through April 12, the Lenten parish schedules have been adjusted to reflect ongoing confession times and online events. Please visit www.diocs.org regularly for the latest changes and updates.

COLORADO SPRINGS. With churches in the Diocese of Colorado Springs prohibited from holding public Masses until at least the end of April, Bishop Michael Sheridan and parish pastors are making plans to celebrate Holy Week and Easter liturgies in front of video cameras so that parishioners can participate via YouTube, Facebook, or other social media platforms.

COLORADO SPRINGS. In the last month, life has changed for Americans. Our current situation of social distancing and stay-at-home orders has, at the very least, disrupted plans and, at the worst, has completely changed lives. Life for those who attend St. Mary’s High School has, of course, also been affected. As plans are shifting, one thing remains consistent for those associated with St. Mary’s — the community.

CRIPPLE CREEK. St. Peter Chapel in Cripple Creek has seen a resurgence in attendance in the past few years. Not only was the church itself remodeled, a new community hall has been added to the property.

COLORADO SPRINGS. If life were going according to schedule, this week St. Mary’s High School students would have been working to stay focused as they approached spring break. On Wednesday, most would have participated in the sacrament of reconciliation, and Friday they would have celebrated Mass together before parting ways for the last break before the end of the school year. Instead, students have been at home this week, continuing their studies through online learning as the COVID-19 virus has, at least temporarily, changed the face of life in the US.

COLORADO SPRINGS. In response to health officials’ recommendations that large group events be cancelled to limit the spread of coronavirus, the bishops of Colorado on March 13 ordered that all public Masses and other group meetings at parishes cease until the end of March.

PARKER. Father William Vollmer, a longtime pastor in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, died March 7 at age 88. Burial took place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Elizabeth.

A memorial Mass will take place at a later date.