Sacraments During COVID-19

• During this time of pandemic, the Archdiocese of Chicago requires anyone attending Mass to pre-register. Every Wednesday at noon, we send a newsletter with the link to register. If you would like to be added to that newsletter, please register in the "Newsletter Sign Up" at the bottom of our website.
• Masks are required at all times while on Our Lady of Ransom property.
• Guests will be required to sanitize their hands when entering the Church and immediately prior to receiving communion.
• A traditional collection is not taken up, but Our Lady of Ransom still urgently needs your financial support. Please consider making your donations electronically through Give Central. It is easy for you to customize your giving and the most cost-effective way for our parish to receive donations.
• Because of our pre-registration requirements, we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate walk-ups. Mass attendance is capped at 120 and, once we reach that number, we are required to close the doors.
• The doors for Mass open 20 minutes prior to the scheduled Mass time. Once Mass begins the doors will be locked and we will not be able to accommodate those who arrive late.

Confessions are held in the Church from 11a-12p on Saturdays, 4-5p Tuesdays, and 5-6p Thursdays. You will be asked to sanitize your hands and wear a mask. For the duration of the pandemic, confessions will not be heard face-to-face, but only behind the screen. The priest will be wearing both a mask and a face shield. We ask all those coming for confession to keep their masks on especially while in the sacrament with the priest.

Due to the absolute nature of the seal of confession and your right to privacy and anonymity, pre-registration is not required for confessions and your information will not be taken.

As always please feel free to call our office to schedule a time for confession that is more convenient for you.

• Due to our pandemic limited resources, a funeral Mass can only be held at Our Lady of Ransom on Friday or Saturday.
• Funerals are limited to 50 worshippers and obituary notice must state that due to Covid attendance is limited to 50 ppl., and registration is required for the funeral, or funeral services are private. Whatever the family wishes.
• Due to Archdiocese requirements, contact tracing is needed for funerals. The family and funeral home are required to gather in advance the names and phone numbers of those who will attend the funeral liturgy. 
• The funeral director informs those riding in the procession that once they get to the church, they should immediately go into the church to get checked in, sanitize their hands, and be assisted to find a seat in the church. The immediate family members, pallbearers, funeral minister, and funeral directors meet in the narthex to process in with the casket.
• Those attending the funeral will be expected to bring their own masks and to wear these throughout their entire time in the church.
• The funeral director should remind attendees, including family members of the deceased, that they may not sit together in church unless they live together.
• All music and song will be provided by the organist and cantor. There will be no congregational singing.
• The Scripture readings, as well as the petitions of the Universal Prayer, will be proclaimed by the priest, a deacon if present.
• The procession with the gifts is omitted. The bread, wine, and water will be placed on the credence or side table before the funeral Mass begins.
• During the Rite of Peace, the priest will direct any members of the congregation who will be receiving Communion to sanitize their hands.
• Words of remembrance, or “eulogies,” are not to be offered during the funeral Mass or at any other time at the church. If desired, these should take place at the funeral home or the place of interment.

If you are interested in getting married at Our Lady of Ransom during this time of pandemic, we ask that you call us at 847.823.2550.

Baptisms are currently being held at Our Lady of Ransom but are limited to one family at a time. For more information, please call our office at 847.823.2550.