July 9, 2020
 
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
 
Since early June, the number of cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma have increased rapidly, affecting many of our family members, friends and more than a dozen priests, some of whom have spent time in the hospital. This increase has prompted civic leaders and health authorities to seek further protections to slow the spread of the virus as we head into summer. Thankfully, most of our cases have not been severe or resulted in loss of life. For that I am incredibly grateful. To keep our parishioners and our priests safe, we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our parish communities.

With that in mind, and after much discussion and prayer, I am requiring masks (shields or face coverings) to be worn by all priests, deacons, parishioners, church staff, volunteers and anyone serving in ministry at public Masses, parish events and gatherings, and in parish offices starting Saturday, July 11, until further notice. This precaution applies to anyone age 6 and older. Masks already are required to be worn by chancery staff members at the Catholic Pastoral Center and during Daily Mass at the Saint Francis de Sales Chapel.

It is important to remember that this latest precaution is temporary. We will continue to monitor the health crisis and adjust implementation of the procedures accordingly. Please note that the precautions we have been following since the resumption of public Mass in May remain in place as does the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. If you are not comfortable attending Mass in person, I encourage you to consider live-streamed Masses. The guidelines are available on the archdiocesan website (archokc.org/mass) in English and Spanish. I am asking all pastors to continue to implement these guidelines with renewed diligence. I ask that everyone follow them as carefully as possible, especially the importance of social distancing and proper hand sanitizing.

If a staff member at a church, including a priest, is known to have been exposed to the virus, becomes ill or tests positive, several steps must be taken. The pastor must inform parishioners immediately of the illness. Information also should be provided on possible exposure to the virus even if test results are not immediately available. If ill or with a positive result, the priest or staff member must quarantine for 14 days and, when necessary, parish offices can be closed and public Mass suspended. Parishioners are asked to not attend Mass or any church-related function if they do not feel well or are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience with these precautions as we do our part to assist in reducing the spread of the virus. It is a small act of charity that promotes the health and well-being of others and can help Oklahoma and the nation eventually emerge from this crisis. By following these guidelines carefully, we will be able to continue to celebrate public Masses and receive the nourishment we need through Holy Communion.

Jesus promised that the Father would pour out his own Spirit upon us to guide, direct and protect us through all trials and tribulations. The gift of the Holy Spirit assures us of God's continued presence in our lives. No matter the circumstance, he is with us. Please know you are in my prayers as we work together to keep our parish communities safe.
 
Sincerely yours in Christ,
 
Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley
Archbishop of Oklahoma City

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Dear Parishioners of Christ the King:
 
The obligatyion to attend Mass remains suspended as we continue to grapple with the coronavirus and work to curtail the spread of COVID-19. As cases are increasing, Archbishop Coakley has implemented a requirement that all Church personnel and anyone on the premises of a Catholic parish or facility wear a face mask. Those who are elderly or are in any way immune-compromised or sick are asked to continue remaining at home for your own protection and for the sake of others. As you know, priests take a vow of obedience, so I hope that you understand that there is no "wiggle room" that I am permitted to extend to our parish or any individual. I know that this is an alarming and frustrating time, and it seems that uncertainty is growing rather than diminishing. I ask that you join me in praying daily for an end to the pandemic and for the development of effective treatments and a safe and effective vaccine. Know that you are in my prayers, as well.
 
We continue to be limited to 33.3% occupancy in the main Church, which is a little less than 300 persons per Mass, and we will broadcast all Sunday Masses into the Atrium for overflow seating of another 120 persons. If you are more comfortable, you can remain in your car for the 5pm and 10am Mass while watching online and come into the Church for Holy Communion. 
 
We ask that parishioners take their temperatures before coming to Mass, and if it is over 100.4° to please stay home. Face coverings are now required, and we ask that all parishioners use hand sanitizer before and after communion. The entire church is thoroughly sanitized between Masses. Please do not use your own sanitizing wipes, as they will damage the finish on the pews.
 
Here is some information that I hope will help you to feel confident that Christ the King is doing everything in its power to make attendance at Mass safe:

• Seating in every other pew and in the balcony will be marked. Seating in Daily Mass chapel available.
• Families and households may sit closer than six feet apart. All others are to sit six feet apart.
• Staff and volunteers help people find seats for the first few weeks.
• One-use Liturgy sheets are available. Please discard in the containers by exits on your way out.
• Fill the Church from front to back. Latecomers will be directed to the Atrium overflow seating.
• Communion will be brought to you. Remain in your pew.
• Please receive the Eucharist in your hand rather than on the tongue.
• Collection baskets are at the exits. Feel free to continue mailing your donations or using FaithDirect. We are very grateful for your support of the parish.
• The priest, deacons, and seminarians serve as lectors and Eucharistic ministers.

I know all of this seems overwhelming – it is to me as well – but one thing I ask and pray for is LOTS OF PATIENCE as we navigate this seemingly ever-changing “new normal.” 
 
God bless you!
 
In Christ,
 
Fr Rick

Live Streaming Masses

• Saturday at 5pm
• Sunday at 10am
• Monday-Friday at 7am

The CK Morning Show Live

• On Hiatus for July

Confessions behind the Screen

• Saturday from 3:30-4:15pm

Eucharist Exposed for Adoration

• Monday from 7:30am-6:30pm beginning June 1

Parish Office Open (Masks Required)

• M-F from 9am-12pm
• M-F from 1pm-4pm

A Prayer for Others

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors remember those who are most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country, let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us find ways to be loving embrace of God to our neighbors.
Amen

Act of Spiritual Communion

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.