Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In keeping with Vermont Gov. Phil Scott's “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order directing the closure of in-person operations for all non-essential businesses, I am saddened to announce that all Catholic churches, chapels and shrines throughout the state be closed as of 5 p.m. on March 25.  

During these challenging times, scripture reminds us that even when we are physically isolated, we are not spiritually so: “God is near to those who call on Him and Jesus Himself, just before he ascended to heaven said, “And know that I am with you to the end of time.” 

As members of the Church, we know that we are not alone.  As we stay at home in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, I encourage you to use this time to strengthen your relationship with Christ through daily prayer, participation in TV Mass, scripture reflection and engaging your family in faith activities. You can tune in daily 12:05 p.m. Mass (Monday through Friday) and Sundays at 10 a.m., live rosary at 11:15 a.m. and many other spiritual engagement - visit: vermontcatholic.org/spiritualresources 

Please prayerfully consider supporting your parish and the Diocese by making your usual offertory and Bishop’s Appeal contributions through this difficult time to sustain the Church until regular Mass schedule can resume. Visit your local parish website or the bishopsappealvt.org for more information.

Let us join together daily by saying the pope’s prayer to the Blessed Mother to end the spread of this pandemic and heal the sick. 

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. Amen 

                 Yours in Christ,                
       Most  Reverend  Christopher  J.  Coyne                          Bishop of Burlington 

Dear friends,
     Usually on a Friday night in Lent, I would have prayed the Stations of the Cross with you, reflecting on each sad step with the help of the beautiful copper images which grace the perimeter of our historic church. Since we cannot gather there, please use the video to the right - or any other - to pray that the passion of Jesus, which continues in this epidemic and so many other sufferings this side of heaven, will remind us to renew in our lives the great promise of the Easter Joy that lasts for all eternity.  I love and miss you and, of course remember you at Mass and prayer each day.
                                                    - Monsignor Michael