Archbishop John C. Wester: The Archdiocese of Santa Fe is cancelling all church services and closing all schools effective immediately until further notice. The reason for the closures is to prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading within our communities. We are particularly concerned about the safety and health of our elderly, children and our chronically ill population.

This is one of the precautions we are taking to prevent community spread of COVID-19. We are pro-life and we see it as a sanctity of life issue. The decision was made in consultation with Very Rev. Glennon Jones, ASF Vicar General and Monsignor Lambert Luna, ASF Episcopal Vicar. Archbishop Wester notified Bishop Wall of the Diocese of Gallup and Bishop Baldachinno of the Diocese of Las Cruces.

Proper Hygiene per Center for Disease Control guidelines:

1. Clean your hands often. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20
   seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose,
   coughing, or sneezing.
2. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least
   60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
3. A void touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Cover coughs and sneezes. When a tissue is not readily available, covering of
   the mouth and nose with the bend of the arm when sneezing or coughing
5. Frequent cleaning and sterilization of surfaces like desktops, keyboards, phone
   receivers, doorknobs etc.
6. Stay home if you are sick.

Acknowledgement and adherence to recommendations of the Center for Disease Control
(CDC) of the U.S. Public Health Service
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
and the New Mexico Department of Health
http://cv.nmhealth.org/
specific to a viral or bacterial outbreak. If you suspect you have been exposed, call the New Mexico
Coronavirus Hotline: 1- 855-600-3453.

All this being said, we urge all priests to continue celebrating the incomparable sacrifice and gift of the Mass at a pre-determined time each Sunday and even each day so that the souls in their care may join themselves spiritually to the Mass even in absentia. All are urged to read at least the Mass readings of the day and to meditate on them with their families and friends, praying for a quick end to our current situation and for the welfare of all. Other possible family and personal devotions include:

• Praying the rosary, stations of the cross and other prayers.
• Reviewing daily Mass readings (may be found on the USCCB website).
• Additional scriptural, theological or catechetical reading.
• Televised or streamed Mass.

 
During this time, it is helpful to remember that the Archdiocese of Santa Fe offers a televised Mass for the homebound every Sunday in English and in Spanish. The Mass in English can be found on Sundays at 6:30 AM on Fox New Mexico and the Mass in Spanish can be found on Sundays at 7:00 AM on My50TV (KASY). Also our Catholic Radio Network, Relevant Radio, 98.9 FM in Albuquerque, broadcasts daily Mass and Sunday Mass. Also, Archbishop's Hour on Catholic Radio will broadcast 12 noon Daily Mass from the Catholic Center and it will be live streamed on Youtube starting Monday, March 16th.
 
Granted, this is not the same as attending Mass in person, but it is an act of charity to keep others safe during this difficult time. Remember, you can also make a spiritual communion during the broadcasts of Mass. Say the following prayer:
 
My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Principal Maestas-Sanchez,
Thank you for the information.  That is great news that the St. Mary’s teachers and administrators will continue educating the students and providing information.
J. Hernandez 

I appreciate everything you and the teachers have been doing to make sure the kids stay on track. I recently was laid off due to COVID-19 and wasn’t allowed to receive unemployment. Again, thank you for everything!
M. Gallegos

I appreciate all your teachers have done and the continued support and communication during this time. 
J. Saenz 

Thank you so much for all the easy to follow lessons and for just being so organized. You made it easier than anticipated.
 L.Urban

Thank you for taking the time to make creative teaching presentations for the kids. You could have taken the easy way out and just sent the homework home with a list but you did not. I appreciate your work ethic and it speaks volumes to you as a teacher. Thank you again and keep up the great job you are doing for all the kids. All of us are very fortunate to have you and the other teachers at St Mary's. Other kids in other schools aren't as fortunate to be part of an outstanding school.
C. Shabbing

Beautiful Stations of the Cross!! We loved seeing everyone and hearing the beautiful prayers.
D. Barabe

This looks great! Your hard work, proactive deliberation, and concern for the children are truly an inspiration. Everything you're doing to ensure that the kiddos are getting a good education while we are struggling to adapt to these trying times reminds me of why we chose St. Mary's. So, thank you!
M.L. Campbell