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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, Trinity Episcopal Church, Hannibal
  • Ms. Beth Mosher - Head of School, St. Michael's School of Clayton
  • The Rev. Deb Goldfeder - Deacon, The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Crestwood

Our gratitude goes to the following retiring task force members:

  • The Rev. Dr. Marc Smith - (former) Priest Associate, Holy Communion, University City
  • Dr. David Hirstius - Trinity Episcopal Church, 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.

  • COVID update: Restrictions lifted, effective October 1, 2022
  • COVID update - June 3, 2022
  • COVID update - effective March 15, 2022
  • COVID update - effective February 7, 2022
  • COVID update - effective January 3, 2022

Click on the headings below to get detailed resources:

Responses, Resources and Guidelines from the Diocese

Click on the links to download information or read articles:

  • Updating COVID-19 Guidelines - Restrictions lifted, effective Oct. 1, 2022 (posted Sept. 20, 2022)
  • Updating COVID-19 Guidelines (June 3, 2022)

  • Updating COVID-19 Guidelines (March 15, 2022)

  • Bishop Deon Updates COVID Guidelines to Begin the New Year (Dec. 27, 2021)
  • Bishop Deon Allows Distribution of Wine during Communion (Nov. 15, 2021)

  • Bishop Deon Johnson Mandates Vaccines for Clergy and Staff Members (October 11, 2021)

  • UPDATE: (September 1, 2021) Face mask mandate extended indefinitely for in-person worship.

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.


  • UPDATE: (July 26, 2021) Face masks are once again required for in-person worship in the Diocese of Missouri.

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."


  • Updated Safety Guidelines: July 15, 2021
    If your parish is 80% + vaccinated, follow these guidelines from the Diocesan Pandemic Task Force and Bishop Deon.
  • Updated Regathering Guidelines: June 1, 2021
    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).
  • Updated Regathering Guidelines: March 26, 2021
    The Diocesan Pandemic Task Force issues new guidelines as vaccinations become more wide-spread in our communities.
  • Updated Gathering Guidelines: Feb. 4, 2021
    Bishop Deon Johnson raises the in-person gathering guidelines to 20% of building capacity, if all prior requirements are met.
  • Pastoral Guidance for Ash Wednesday: Jan. 26
    Bishop Deon Johnson offers safe alternatives to our tradition of the imposition of ashes.
  • Deacon Emergency Grant Program Extended: Jan. 22
    The Episcopal Church offers special funds for deacons affected by COVID-19.
  • Bishop Updates COVID-19 Guidelines: Nov. 13
    As cases spike, Bishop Deon Johnson makes new safety recommendations for our communities of faith.
  • Diocesan Pandemic Task Force - Convention Update: Nov. 13
    The Diocesan Pandemic Task Force answers questions about safety during and around our annual convention time.
  • Emergency funds available for livestream equipment: Sept. 21
    Diocesan Council allocates emergency funds to help congregations purchase livestreaming equipment.
  • Creating a Pandemic Task Force: Sept. 8
    Bishop Deon Johnson appoints members to serve as advisors during the pandemic.
  • Updated Guidance for Reopening our Churches: Aug. 31
    Bishop Deon Johnson provides new and updated guidelines for churches as they consider reopening.
  • Financial assistance available for cleaning costs: June 16
    Diocesan Council releases emergency funds to help congregations prepare to reopen.
  • Re-gathering Checklist: May 28
    Bishop-elect Deon Johnson offers this checklist to parishes as they make plans to open their doors once again.
  • An Agape Liturgy for Sundays: May 27
    A liturgy written by Bishop-elect Deon Johnson, available for in-person or online worship.
  • Updated Guidance from Bishop-elect Deon Johnson: May 27
    This document includes suggestions for Holy Communion and other issues for reopening our churches.
  • Updated Guidelines from Bishop-elect Deon Johnson: May 13
    This document contains updated guidelines for reopening our churches.
  • Diocese Offers Matching Grant Program to Support Food Ministries during Crisis: May 13
    Bishop-elect Deon Johnson announces plans to provide up to $60,000 in funds to feed the hungry.
  • Pastoral Resources in the Time of COVID-19: April 22
    Bishop-elect Deon Johnson offers pastoral and practical guides for those ministering to the sick, caring for the grieving and burying the dead.
  • The Liturgies of Holy Week and Easter: A Ceremonial Guide for Dispersed Communities: March 30
    The Bishop's office has put together a worship resource to take us all through Holy Week and Easter
  • The Anglican Alliance Resource Hub - The Anglican Communion
    Our worldwide communion shares resources to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The Episcopal Church: Concerning COVID-19
    Videos, resources and guidelines from the Episcopal Church
  • Financial Assistance to Parishes - March 24: Diocesan Council
    Diocesan Council has passed a resolution to defer diocesan assessment payments and offer emergency grants to parishes. Download the emergency grant application.
  • Updated Guidelines for Church Operations - March 19: Bishop Wayne Smith & Bishop-elect Deon Johnson
    New guidelines addressing worship, weddings, funerals, baptisms, and more
  • Video - March 17, 2020: Bishop-elect Deon Johnson responds to change of plans
    Our Bishop-elect sends a reassuring message the people of the Diocese.
  • Update - March 16, 2020: Bishop Wayne Smith & Bishop-elect Deon Johnson
    Public worship is suspended throughout the diocese until April 3, 2020, when we will re-evaluate the situation.
  • Guidelines for Church Operations - March 16: Bishop Wayne Smith & Bishop-elect Deon Johnson
    A list to help congregations continue to be the Church during this difficult time
  • Reflection - March 14, 2020: Bishop-elect Deon Johnson
    Now is the time for us who follow Jesus to be reminded that “perfect love casts out fear.”
  • Update - March 10, 2020: Bishop Wayne Smith & Bishop-elect Deon Johnson
    Recommendations to parishes and individuals in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
  • Update - March 4, 2020: Bishop Wayne Smith
    We want our members and the public to know that the Diocese of Missouri is responding to the concerns with information, action, and prayers.

Prayer and Worship Resources

Click on the links below to download resources or visit additional websites for more resources:

  • An Agape Liturgy for Sundays: May 27
  • A liturgy written by Bishop-elect Deon Johnson, available for in-person or online worship.
  • Habits of Grace
    Presiding Bishop Michael Curry posts a new video meditation every Monday through May
  • Daily Prayer on your smart speakers
    Ask Alexa or Google Assistant to "open Episcopal Prayer" to hear a reading of morning or evening prayer.
  • The Book of Common Prayer
    the online version of our beautiful prayer book
  • Daily Prayer for All Seasons
    a downloadable version of this very user-friendly prayer book
  • Prayer and Worship in our Homes
    free online class from Church Next / Forward Movement
  • Forward Day by Day meditations
    from Forward Movement
  • Household Bible Readings with Lectio Divina
    great for families, small groups and individuals
  • [email protected]
    weekly readings, reflections and family activities
  • Illustrated Ministry
    offering free weekly faith formation and coloring pages for all ages

  • Grow Christians
    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.”

  • D365 daily devotional
    written especially for youth and young adults, seeks to provide reflections on themes that impact our faith journey.
  • Building Faith: Talking to your kids about Coronavirus
    blog offers advice for parents
  • A Morning at the Office
    Audio recording of the daily Morning Office
  • Church Publishing
    news release of free formation resources
  • Selected Prayers from Confluence: A Center for Spirituality
    Prayers prepared and gathered by Confluence to enable us to pray regularly in common voice as individuals, groups and parishes during the pandemic.

Health Information

Hospitalization Stats:

  • St. Louis Pandemic Task Force Facebook page:
    https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2575914276007156
  • Missouri Hospital Association
    https://web.mhanet.com/coronavirus-disease.aspx

COVID-19: Health Information

(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:

  • fever
  • cough
  • shortness of breath

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:

  • Wear a face mask
  • Practice social distancing - stay at least 6 feet away from others.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    - Advice on household cleaning and disinfecting

For more information:

  • 24 hour hotline: 877-435-8411
  • Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
  • Episcopal Relief & Development
  • Centers for Disease Control
  • World Health Organization

COVID-19 Memorials

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.

Go to our COVID-19 Memorial Form


Follow the news from these Episcopal news sources:

  • Diocese of Missouri news postings
  • Episcopal News Service
  • Episcopal Relief and Development

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].


Share this page: COVID-19

For more info, contact:

The Very Rev. Dr. Maria Evans
Interim Priest, Trinity Episcopal Church, Hannibal and Dean of Jackson Kemper Convocation
660-216-2727 

    The Very Rev. Dr. Maria Evans

    Interim Priest, Trinity Episcopal Church, Hannibal and Dean of Jackson Kemper Convocation
    660-216-2727 |
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    Welcome from Our Bishop Find a Church Diocesan Calendar Clergy Resources

    We believe in a loving, life-giving and liberating God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe God loves you -- no exceptions!

    We invite you to be a part of our faith journey.

    The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson is the leader of our diocese. He was elected as our bishop on Nov. 23, 2019, and ordained on June 13, 2020, at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis.

    Learn More

    Approximately 10,000 people throughout Eastern and Central Missouri find their faith home with us. About three-quarters of our members are in the metro St. Louis area, but our diocese reaches much farther than St. Louis. You will find more than 40 Episcopal churches, missions and faith communities as far north as Kirksville, as far west as Columbia, and as far south as Poplar Bluff (and many points in between).

    If you are looking for a church home or a just a faith community to visit, we invite you to explore The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

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