Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph announces COVID-19 mitigation plan

Following careful discernment and review of available facts and data concerning the COVID-19 outbreak, the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph has concluded that we must do our part to mitigate the spread of the infectious COVID-19 virus. Executing this strategy will have far-reaching effects on our ministries and those we serve. However, we firmly believe it is in the best interest of public health and safety that we take these steps to slow down the spread of COVID-19 as best we are able. To that end, we announce the following changes to begin taking effect on Friday, March 13, 2020.

Solanus Casey Center to close indefinitely effective Friday, March 13, 2020
The Solanus Casey Center will be closed to the public effective Friday, March 13, 2020. With the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus the Capuchins have chosen after careful discernment to take these extraordinary steps in order to mitigate the spread of the disease. Further information, including when we will re-open, will be released as the situation evolves over time.
 
Masses, blessing of the sick services and other events will be closed to the public, but will be livestreamed via the Blessed Solanus Casey Facebook Page and the Solanus Casey Center website so that the faithful may still participate online. All special events held at the Solanus Casey Center are canceled until further notice and may be rescheduled for a later date. Confessions will still be available. 
 
As always, prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling (313) 579-2100. 

Solanus Casey Center employees will report to work on Friday, March 13 as usual. 

Capuchin Retreat Center to close indefinitely effective Friday, March 13, 2020
After careful discernment, Capuchin Retreat has made the difficult decision to close the retreat center effective Friday, March 13, 2020 and suspend activities indefinitely in order to do our part to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Retreatants and groups who have scheduled a retreat through April 4 and have already paid will receive a full refund. More information will be communicated concerning re-opening as the situation evolves.

The Capuchin Soup Kitchen will remain open to serve those in need.

Capuchin Community Services will remain open to serve those in need and will abide by the advisories and requirements of public health officials.

St. Lawrence Seminary High School will remain open.

With faith in God, we ask the intercession of Blessed Solanus Casey for healing for all affected by COVID-19 around the world.

About the Capuchins

The Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph is a region of the worldwide order of Capuchin Franciscan friars covering the Midwestern United States with headquarters in Detroit. There are currently 163 friars serving in ministries such as soup kitchens, parishes, schools and retreat centers, in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Montana.  The Capuchins are funded primarily by donations, receiving no government assistance. www.theCapuchins.org

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SOURCE: Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph