On March 26, Bishop Malloy posted another letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Rockford. In it, he reminds us, "We are a people of hope and trust in the Lord...The current moment challenges us to live as those who truly believe that Jesus has not left us alone, but is with us even more closely when difficulties arise. Others, especially those who are fearful, ill, lonely or without faith, need to have our witness, especially now."
He then announced several other measures regarding Easter Sunday Mass: "through Easter Sunday (up until and including Easter Sunday), all Masses are to continue to be celebrated privately without the presence of the faithful." He also extended "the dispensation given to all the faithful from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass through Easter Sunday."
In other words, there will be no public Masses on Easter Sunday in the Diocese of Rockford. The faithful are encouraged to continue seeking out Masses online and performing the spiritual practices that they have been doing since the stay-at-home order began.
This announcement updates his initial instructions regarding the Holy Week liturgies, which can be found here.
Bishop Malloy has also released guidelines for obtaining indulgences during this time. Those guidelines, along with his full statement can be found be clicking https://www.rockforddiocese.org/pdfs/COVID-19/COVID-19%20Statement.26March2020.PlenaryIndulgences.docx.pdf
One further note: priests have received guidelines this week from the Vatican for the celebration of Holy Week liturgies without congregations. One significant change regarding Palm Sunday is that parish churches are not to bless palms.
Although they will not be blessed on Palm Sunday, palms will still be made available for those who would like them after the parish is allowed to re-gather.