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. 

COLORADO SPRINGS. On March 1, Holy Apostles Parish celebrated the grand re-opening of its parish library, which is located on the lower level of the church building.

The library was closed during the month of February, during which time it underwent a complete remodeling and reorganization.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Two events that happen only once every four years — the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and Leap Day — occurred on the same day this year, Feb. 29. Yet, the United States’ most exclusive marathon was especially memorable for Colorado Springs runner Stephen VanGampleare, a 2008 graduate of St. Mary’s High School, who qualified for the trials for the first time. Van Gampleare finished 58th out of 175 men with a time of 2:20:15 at the trials, which were held in Atlanta.

Lenten devotions through March and into April. 

(Ed. Note: Parish Holy Week Schedules will be included at a later date.)

COLORADO SPRINGS. On Feb. 9, Holy Apostles Parish held a celebration of three years of perpetual eucharistic adoration at the parish. Over 150 people gathered in the parish hall to hear several adorers share their testimonies of how spending time in adoration has affected them. Following are excerpts from some of these testimonies:

MONUMENT. A new film detailing a local woman’s journey to being consecrated as a virgin living in the world is now available on Apple TV. “Song of Songs: The Journey of a Consecrated Virgin” chronicles the life of St. Peter parishioner Tara Stone, highlighting the defining moments of her childhood, teenage years and young adulthood as she discerns her vocation.

CASTLE ROCK. Knights of Columbus Council No. 8909 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Castle Rock is offering copies of “A Knight’s Rosary” at a cost of $4 each, which covers shipping and handling.  In the 1990s, the Knights sent out nearly 10,000 of these books, and they received well over 100 letters calling it people’s favorite rosary book.

LITTLETON. A Divine Mercy Retreat called “How to Forgive Yourself and Others” will take place March 7 from 9:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. at Pax Christi Parish in Littleton. Mary Braun-Payne will be the facilitator of the retreat, which will help participants learn the steps necessary to reach forgiveness and overcome obstacles such as hurt, anger, etc. Cost is $10. Childcare is available. Please RSVP to Rachel Daugherty at rdaugherty@paxchristi.org or 720-419-0129.