Update COVID-19 Information (July 1st, 2020)


Additional Information from the parish nurse regarding COVID-19 can be found here

Update COVID-19 Information (June 3rd, 2020)


Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of the River,

I hope you are well and dealing with the challenges we have all faced these past three months with God’s peace and His grace. This has not been easy for any of us, but we are now taking steps toward reopening the Church.

On May 23rd, Bishop Zinkula issued a press release regarding the three Steps for reopening Churches for private prayer and eventually public celebration of the Mass. These Steps are informational and decisions are to be made at the discretion of the pastor of each parish.

STEP 1 of this policy will go into effect at Our Lady of the River beginning Saturday, June 6, 2020. We have thoughtfully prepared the Church for a safe and clean environment for your private prayer experience. Our main concern is the safety and health of all of our parishioners. If you are ill, we ask that you stay home. Those who are at a greater risk of infection due to age and/or a health condition should also remain at home.

Our Lady of the River will be open for private prayer from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturdays; 8:00-9:00 a.m. Sundays; and 8:00-9:00 a.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. There will be a limit of 10 individuals at any one time and we ask that you limit your prayer time to 20 minutes, to allow others to enter the church. Should there be a line, please keep six feet between individuals while waiting to enter the church.

If you come to pray, please bring your own mask. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Someone will be available to direct you and to answer any questions. Please sit in one of the 10 black chairs located near the altar, maintain social distancing of six feet and do not enter the pews or areas that are closed off. All hymnals and prayer books have been removed but you may bring your own. Each chair will be sanitized by a volunteer after each use. Public Masses are still prohibited at this time. The obligation to attend Mass continues to be dispensed by Bishop Zinkula.

At this time we are not sure when STEPS 2 and 3 will be enacted, but be assured that we will keep you updated via the Our Lady of the River Facebook page and website: www.ourladyoftheriver.com as well as the Diocesan website: www.davenportdiocese.org. Once there is “herd immunity”—probably through the wide availability of a safe and effective vaccine—there will be a return to “normal” liturgical practices, initially with the kind of precautions taken during the flu season.

This has been a long and difficult struggle for all of us, but we do see hope on the horizon! As we patiently await to once again gather for the public celebration of Mass, please know that you remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Your brother in Christ,

Rev. Joseph M. Wolf
Pastor

COVID-19 Information (April 9th, 2020)

Dear Parishioners,

There's a saying that comes to mind during this unprecedented time: "never worry alone." This idiom is meant to encourage each other to express our concerns and to let one another know how we can best support each other during challenging times. When we act on this sentiment, our congregation can grow closer and our anxieties may even subside. In the wake of COVID-19, we know there are many people who are experiencing different levels of anxiety. Well, I'm here to tell you that you don't have to worry alone. I've compiled a list of resources to help you take care of yourself and others during this time. And, as we keep socially connected by means of phone calls, notes and cards, Zoom calls, Facebook messaging and Facetime, while practicing "social distancing", I hope these resources will help you think through what matters most to you when it comes to the care you may need. Use these resources to help you talk about this with those who matter most to you. I hope these resources put your heart at ease just a little bit more, and I wish you good health; BODY, MIND and SPIRIT.

Be Well,

Jennifer Hildebrand, Parish Nurse (563) 370-4412 kjhildebrand@windstream.net

Emergency Resources

  • Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA) Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Link) Call 800-273-8255 or Chat with Lifeline
  • Crisis Textline (Link) Text TALK to 741741
  • Veterans Crisis Line (VA) Call 800-273-8255 or text 838255

Mental Health Resources

  • https://www.nami.org/covid-19
  • NAMI Iowa is offering a free and confidential mental health resource line for children and adults. The NAMI Iowa non-crisis resource line is available by calling (515) 254-0417.

Additional Resources

Coronavirus Resources

Coronavirus and Children

  • How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
    An article that offers a list of ways you can talk to your kids about the coronavirus. This article is intended to help you introduce a challenging topic to your children in a simple way that they can easily digest.
  • How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
    So what should you tell kids about the coronavirus, and how? This article shares tips from a pediatrician, two psychologists, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and a safety expert.

Managing Stress and Anxiety