COVID-19
The Diocese of Missouri continues to respond with care and deep concern to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We are closely following and prayerfully responding to the advice of local, state and national health experts. Our priority is the health and safety of everyone in our region.
Bishop Deon Johnson has established a pandemic task force, made up of clergy and lay leaders from throughout the diocese, to monitor news and health trends, advise the bishop, work with leaders in our congregations, and offer prayers during this challenging time.
Members of the task force include:
- The Rev. Dr. Maria Evans, Interim Rector, Christ Church, Rolla
- The Rev. Dr. Marc Smith, (former) Priest Associate, Holy Communion, University City
- Ms. Beth Mosher, Head of School, St. Michael's School of Clayton
- Dr. David Hirstius, Trinity, Hannibal
We will do our best to provide the most up-to-date information here, keeping in mind that the situation is changing each day.
Click on the headings below to get detailed resources:
Click on the links to download information or read articles:
Bishop Deon Johnson has extended the face mask mandate for all in-person worship throughout the Diocese of Missouri until further notice. We continue to place the highest priority on the safety of all those in our communities.
Bishop Deon Johnson writes:
"In an effort to best love our neighbors in Christ, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, masks will be required for everyone gathering in-person for worship within the Diocese of Missouri until at least August 31, 2021. All other aspects of the most recent gathering guidelines remain in effect around congregational sing, social gatherings etc.
"While I know that this in many ways poses a challenge in some communities where masks are not required, it is in many ways an opportunity for us to once more stand together as a Diocesan household united as the Body of Christ. I urge you to encourage those who are eligible, to be vaccinated as soon as possible."
Responses, Resources and Guidelines from the Diocese
If your parish is 80% + vaccinated, follow these guidelines from the Diocesan Pandemic Task Force and Bishop Deon.
If your parish is less than 80% vaccinated, follow these guidelines from the Diocesan Pandemic Task Force and Bishop Deon (released following new CDC mask and social distancing rules).
The Diocesan Pandemic Task Force issues new guidelines as vaccinations become more wide-spread in our communities.
Bishop Deon Johnson raises the in-person gathering guidelines to 20% of building capacity, if all prior requirements are met.
Bishop Deon Johnson offers safe alternatives to our tradition of the imposition of ashes.
The Episcopal Church offers special funds for deacons affected by COVID-19.
As cases spike, Bishop Deon Johnson makes new safety recommendations for our communities of faith.
The Diocesan Pandemic Task Force answers questions about safety during and around our annual convention time.
Diocesan Council allocates emergency funds to help congregations purchase livestreaming equipment.
Bishop Deon Johnson appoints members to serve as advisors during the pandemic.
Bishop Deon Johnson provides new and updated guidelines for churches as they consider reopening.
Diocesan Council releases emergency funds to help congregations prepare to reopen.
Bishop-elect Deon Johnson offers this checklist to parishes as they make plans to open their doors once again.
A liturgy written by Bishop-elect Deon Johnson, available for in-person or online worship.
This document includes suggestions for Holy Communion and other issues for reopening our churches.
This document contains updated guidelines for reopening our churches.
Bishop-elect Deon Johnson announces plans to provide up to $60,000 in funds to feed the hungry.
Bishop-elect Deon Johnson offers pastoral and practical guides for those ministering to the sick, caring for the grieving and burying the dead.
The Bishop's office has put together a worship resource to take us all through Holy Week and Easter
Our worldwide communion shares resources to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
Videos, resources and guidelines from the Episcopal Church
Diocesan Council has passed a resolution to defer diocesan assessment payments and offer emergency grants to parishes. Download the emergency grant application.
New guidelines addressing worship, weddings, funerals, baptisms, and more
Our Bishop-elect sends a reassuring message the people of the Diocese.
Public worship is suspended throughout the diocese until April 3, 2020, when we will re-evaluate the situation.
A list to help congregations continue to be the Church during this difficult time
Now is the time for us who follow Jesus to be reminded that “perfect love casts out fear.”
Recommendations to parishes and individuals in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
We want our members and the public to know that the Diocese of Missouri is responding to the concerns with information, action, and prayers.
Click on the links below to download resources or visit additional websites for more resources:
Prayer and Worship Resources
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry posts a new video meditation every Monday through May
Ask Alexa or Google Assistant to "open Episcopal Prayer" to hear a reading of morning or evening prayer.
the online version of our beautiful prayer book
a downloadable version of this very user-friendly prayer book
free online class from Church Next / Forward Movement
from Forward Movement
great for families, small groups and individuals
weekly readings, reflections and family activities
offering free weekly faith formation and coloring pages for all ages
a group blog with reflections, stories, images and recipes that “inspire generations to come together as they celebrate the presence of God through the Christian year.”
written especially for youth and young adults, seeks to provide reflections on themes that impact our faith journey.
blog offers advice for parents
Audio recording of the daily Morning Office
news release of free formation resources
Prayers prepared and gathered by Confluence to enable us to pray regularly in common voice as individuals, groups and parishes during the pandemic.
Hospitalization Stats:
(information below from www.cdc.gov/COVID19)
What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within 3-6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
What are severe complications from this virus?
Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.
How can I protect myself?
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventative actions:
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:
For more information:
Health Information
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2575914276007156
https://web.mhanet.com/coronavirus-disease.aspxCOVID-19: Health Information
- Advice on household cleaning and disinfecting
Prayers surround all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
If you know anyone who has died of COVID-19, please let us know by adding their name to our memorial.
COVID-19 Memorials
Follow the news from these Episcopal news sources:
Community Resources
- St. Louis & East St. Louis Resource Guide
- St. Louis Public Schools - School Sites for Student Meals Support
If you have any questions or concerns not answered here, please contact the Bishop's office at 314-231-1220 or send questions to [email protected].
Interim Priest, Trinity Episcopal Church, Hannibal
Priest Associate at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion and Bishop's Deputy for Violence Prevention
