Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral Statement on Priest Testing Positive for COVID-19

Update June 30, 2020: Today we learned that the COVID-19 tests for Bishop Olmsted and Fr. Lankeit both came back negative. In a spirit of caution and care for the common good they will continue to self-isolate until July 7. We are grateful to God for this good news and thank you all for your prayers.

June 27, 2020 (En Español)

As we continue to journey as a community through this pandemic, we are sharing the following letter from Fr. John Lankeit, rector of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, regarding recent developments there:

Dear Parishioners,

Fr. Rafael Umaña has tested positive for COVID-19. His condition has steadily improved, and he has been taking extra precautions in the rectory for everyone’s health and safety. The bishop and I are being tested, which requires us to quarantine at least until our test results come back. In God’s providence, Fr. John Nahrgang was away from the rectory on vacation this past week. He will celebrate two wedding Masses today (Saturday, June 27) and the televised 9AM Mass tomorrow (Sunday, June 28).

Fr. Chris Fraser, the Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Phoenix, will celebrate this evening’s Confirmation and First Communion Mass in place of the Bishop.

If you attended the 6PM Mass the past two Sundays or had close contact with Fr. Rafael in the past two weeks, you should monitor your health in the coming days, and you may want to consider being tested for COVID-19, especially if you or someone in your household is particularly vulnerable due to age or underlying health conditions.

In the meantime, we will be changing our Mass and Confession schedule as follows:

This Sunday, June 27, only the 9AM televised Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral. This Mass is open to the public and each individual/family must decide if they feel comfortable attending.

Holy Communion distribution in Smith Hall and the remaining Sunday Masses at 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm have all been cancelled.

Daily Masses and Confessions are cancelled from Monday-Wednesday of next week (June 29-July 1).

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. We will send additional updates as information becomes available.

Please keep our entire parish, especially our Bishop, priests and Loreto Sisters in your prayers.

God bless you,

Fr. Lankeit

Our local Church community is committed to being Healthy, Smart and Holy, and is focused on the physical and spiritual well-being of parishioners, staff and volunteers, and the wider community. In this spirit, Bishop Olmsted asks all parishes and schools to comply with the mandatory face mask polices and physical distancing that have been implemented in their area or city, which includes:

  • Requiring all who attend Mass to wear a face mask in a spirit of care for their fellow parishioners.
  • Requiring all staff and volunteers to wear a face mask when on campus and moving about in public areas, or when physical distancing is not possible.
  • It is important to remember that wearing a face mask does not replace the benefits of physical distancing, keeping at least 6 feet of space (in every direction) between parishioners from different households.
  • In a spirit of hospitality, it would be good to have face masks available for those who do not bring one to Mass or a meeting.
  • Those who have medical conditions, or who cannot or will not wear a face mask for any other reason, should be treated with kindness and understanding, and should be politely asked not to attend, but may participate via televised or streaming Masses.
  • It is critical to follow federal, state, and county public health guidelines to reduce the spread of illness amongst parishioners, staff, clergy, and the community, so these guidelines may be updated as new information and recommendations become available.
  • The preferred method to receive Holy Communion during this time is in the hand. It is safer for you, for the priests, and for everyone receiving Holy Communion.

The Sunday Obligation continues to be dispensed during this time of the pandemic. Although churches are being cleaned and disinfected, the risk of contracting the virus remains. For this reason, caution and individual responsibility must be practiced. It is highly encouraged that those who are part of a vulnerable population, are feeling ill, feel they may have been exposed, or cannot wear a face mask for any reason, please stay home and participate via televised or streaming Masses and make a spiritual Communion.

For more information about the Diocese of Phoenix response to COVID-19, please visit dphx.org/stayhealthy.

Please keep Bishop Olmsted, Fr. Lankeit, Fr. Umaña and all clergy and religious in the Diocese of Phoenix in your prayers.

Be Healthy – Be Smart – Be Holy.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Diocese of Phoenix, pray for us.

Jesus, the Divine Healer, we trust in You.