Use of flexible instruction through at least Easter Monday, April 13, 2020. TY!

March 27, 2020
Dear School Families and School Staff,
Earlier this week, we notified you that all Archdiocesan secondary and schools of special education, along with all
parish and regional elementary schools, would be extending the use of the flexible instruction model to remain aligned
with Governor Wolf’s order to keep school buildings closed. Several days later, Archbishop Pérez announced the
suspension of public Mass and other public liturgical celebrations through Easter with an indication that this suspension
would continue to be evaluated pending developments relative to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In light of the Archbishop’s announcement, we will be extending the use of flexible instruction through at least Easter
Monday, April 13, 2020. This shift does not present a major issue as we were already scheduled to be closed from April
8 th to April 13, 2020 for Easter Break.
A return to actual classes in school remains a moving target at this time. We will continue to evaluate circumstances
pending developments and remain aligned with guidelines set forth by appropriate authorities. If you have not received
a list of virtual masses yet, you can request it from your principals
Again, we thank you for your cooperation in this process and thank the teachers, staff and administrators at our schools
for providing innovative, high quality instruction to our young people during this challenging time. Their dedication and
commitment to our students is a great source of pride and the reason that this process is working so well.
We will continue to monitor the CDC recommendations as well as directives from governmental agencies and adjust
policies accordingly. We continue to provide regular updates regarding this situation on a dedicated coronavirus page
on the AOP Schools website. https://aopcatholicschools.org/covid-19-information/
This time is a challenging one for all of us. Our primary goal will remain to provide for the health and safety of all those
entrusted to our care. The Office of Catholic Education has set up a dedicated point of contact where parents can share
their questions and concerns. Messages may be sent to covid19@archphila-oce.org. Be assured of our continued prayers
for all those affected by this virus.
Sincerely in Christ,
 
Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D.
 
 Dear Friends,
On behalf of Archbishop Pérez, I am sharing an announcement that he has launched, “The Power of Faith in a Time of Uncertainty: A Virtual Lenten Retreat.” This six-day online retreat program is part of the ongoing pastoral and temporal response of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the COVID-19 pandemic and offers a means for the faithful to prepare spiritually for the approach of Holy Week.
Archbishop Pérez recently recorded videos introducing this initiative and released them on social media. To watch the video in English, please click here. To watch the video in Spanish, please click here. A message from the Archbishop is below followed by additional details. Please share this information as broadly as possible.
A Message from Archbishop Pérez Announcing the Launch of “The Power of Faith and Hope in a Time of Uncertainty: A Virtual Lenten Retreat
“Our Lenten journey has taken an unexpected turn with the worldwide outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In an effort to impede the spread of the virus and to protect those most vulnerable among us, all of us have changed the way that we live. Life as we understand it has temporarily changed, but this too shall pass. We are people whose hearts are grounded in our faith and in our hope, that is the strength that helps us during this time of uncertainty.
Though we are living out concepts such as isolation, quarantine, and social distancing – as believers and followers of Christ we know we are never truly alone and that He is always by our side. It has been a painful, confusing, trying time for all of us, but in Christ and His triumph over the cross there is hope. Until we can safely be together again physically, we can pray together in spirit.
I am overjoyed to announce a new Lenten initiative, “The Power of Faith and Hope in a Time of Uncertainty: A Virtual Lenten Retreat.” Beginning Monday, March 30th I will share a video each night at 7:00 p.m. via my Facebook page. The series will extend to Palm Sunday and will include dynamic presenters from across our Archdiocese who will bring Catholic Families closer to Christ through scripture, reflection, and prayer. Six of the videos will be in English and American Sign Language and one will be in Spanish.
Please consider participating in this upcoming Lenten Video Retreat. Give this gift of hope to yourself. Christ is hope and through Him we’re a people of hope. I’m praying for you during this time of uncertainty.”
+Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Additional Information Regarding “The Power of Faith and Hope in a Time of Uncertainty: A Virtual Lenten Retreat”
This initiative commences on Monday, March 30th at 7:00 p.m. That evening, and on each of the following evenings leading up to Palm Sunday, a video will be posted to Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page. At that same time each night, installments will be posted to his Instagram page as well as the Archdiocesan Vimeo Channel, the Archdiocesan website, and CatholicPhilly.com, the official digital news agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The presenters include
• Reverend Matthew W. Guckin, Director of Catholic Mission and Identity for the Office for Catechetical Formation and Parochial Administrator Pro Tem, Saint Francis de Sales Parish;
• Deacon Anthony Willoughby, Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish and Campus Minister at Saint Francis Home for Children and Saint Gabriel's Hall;
• Mrs. Megan Mohan, Associate Director of Outreach for ANTHEM;
• Reverend Eric Banecker, Parochial Vicar, Saint Pius X Parish;
• Sister Maeve Nativitas, Sisters of Life, Saint Malachy Convent;
• Mr. Eustace Mita, Co-Founder and Chairman of Man-Up Philly; and
• Reverend Matthew Biedrzycki, Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
 
American Sign Language interpretation was provided by Reverend Seán A. Loomis, Chaplain of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Deaf Apostolate and Parochial Vicar, Annunciation B.V.M. Parish.
For comprehensive information about the pastoral and temporal response of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit http://archphila.org/covid19/.
Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
Archdiocese of Philadelphia