St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

From Fr. Gerlach, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua (and St. James, Edgemont): Fr. Michel Mulloy, our diocesan administrator, has issued several directives regarding the realities that we are currently facing with the viral pandemic. First, all celebrations of Mass in a public setting, regardless of location, have been suspended (effective March 18) until further notice (issued March 17). Therefore, all Masses celebrated publicly (Sunday and weekday) in Hot Springs (and Edgemont) are suspended until further notice. (Note: this includes all Holy Week celebrations. However, the schedule for Holy Week liturgical celebrations via live-stream is posted above to the right.)

(see second column regarding Masses celebrated in a private location, etc.)

Also, all health care facilities in Hot Springs (the Fall River Health Services hospital, the Seven Sisters Living Center, the State Veterans Home, and the VA campus) have restricted all visitation until further notice. Please visit the S.D. Dept. of Health site for more information regarding this reality in the state (FYI: this site also has links to the national CDC site and the international WHO site).

Catholic Social Services (CSS) Provides Telehealth Counseling Services: While the medical toll of the viral pandemic is frightening, so is the threat that it presents to the social, spiritual, and mental health of people, according to CSS counselors.

However, Fr. Gerlach will still celebrate Mass -- by himself -- during the week at the usual times (when in Hot Springs: see Mass Times below; times differ slightly when in Custer) at a private location; Sunday Mass will be celebrated only on Sunday morning at 8am, again, at a private location. Also, there are already opportunities to participate in Mass via TV or online (also, see to the right), along with Resources for Personal or Family Prayer. Please note, to be clear and explicit: Holy Communion will be administered only as Viaticum (i.e., Holy Communion for the dying) during this suspension; also, the Stations of the Cross scheduled at the parish church building are cancelled, but you are encouraged to pray this devotional during Lent. Parish Church Office Hours (see below) are still in effect, so you are still able to come to the church building and visit Our Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle during these hours (Sat. and Sun. open hours will be 9am-5pm). However, Eucharistic Adoration will be provided every day (Monday - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), 3-5pm (therefore, Eucharistic Adoration on first Fridays is modified to follow these hours).

Needs arising from the viral pandemic (sickness, reduced wages, loss of work, etc.)? Please call the parish church office, the deacons (these numbers are listed in the bulletin), or the after-hours/emergency line at 605/745-3278. - Fr. Gerlach