Important
Announcements related to On-Going Parish Activities related to Coronavirus
(please
read all)
Announcement #1:
Today and effective
immediately until further notice, Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, in union with the
Bishops of Pennsylvania, has dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of
Harrisburg from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. (Click Here to Read)
Despite the suspension of
the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, all regularly scheduled masses will
remain open to the public for those who wish to attend.
Bishop Gainer made this
move out of great concern for the health and well-being of the faithful, their families,
our clergy and parish staff, given the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Those still wishing to
attend Mass are welcome, but are asked to be careful in their contact with
others. The Diocese advises those who are currently ill, the elderly and those
with a compromised immune system to remain at home.
In addition to the
dispensation, the Diocese has also requested that all parishes suspend the sign
of peace; suspend the use of holy water fonts; suspend the distribution of the
Precious Blood by way of the Chalice; take great care when separating the Holy
Eucharist into separate vessels by pouring the hosts from one vessel to
another; frequently wash hands, especially for our Priests, Deacons and
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion; and regularly wash and disinfect
doorknobs, pews and other places of high contact.
Announcement #2:
Considering the directives
from the Diocese regarding the dispensation of attending Sunday Mass until
further notice, (see directives: Click Here)
Religious Education:
Religious Education
Classes are canceled until after Easter. Classes will be scheduled to resume
Sunday April 19th.
In preparation for Easter
I encourage parents to bring their children to one of the scheduled
reconciliation times.
Also, Confirmation scheduled
for Wednesday March 25th is postponed.
Having conferred with
Father Kuchinski a few moments ago, confirmation will be rescheduled
and celebrated in our individual parishes with the pastors celebrating the
sacrament.
I will be discussing this
with Ms. Starceski and Mrs. Dietrich, and we will have a date for you by the
middle of next week.
Meetings and Social Gatherings:
All meetings and social
gatherings are cancelled until at least Friday April 3rd.
This includes all bible
studies, Lenten programs, men’s and women’s groups, etc.
An evaluation on when to
resume activities will be made that week. This is being done to make sure each
area of the building is kept cleaned and sanitized regularly.
Church Masses, Confessions, and Devotions
As noted in the previous
post, although the dispensation from Mass on Sunday is granted until further
notice, regularly scheduled Masses, Confessions, and Devotions will be
celebrated. Note: Devotions include, Stations of the Cross, Holy Hours, and the
Adoration Chapel.
We have just installed
four hand sanitizer stations throughout the Church
(1 by the side door off
the main parking lot, and 3 in the back as you walk in the Church).
The Church is OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
You are welcome to come to
any Mass or devotions during the week and on the weekend. The Church will
continue to be open for private prayer. We do not live in fear but walk in the
light of faith.
For those unable to join
us I invite you to please join us in spirit.
Watch the Mass online or
on television. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Most Holy Rosary, and the
Stations of the Cross and offer it for those who are sick.
Do not underestimate the
power of prayer!
For those coming to Mass,
offer your reception of Holy Communion and each Mass for those who are
sick and suffering.
Never underestimate the
power of the Eucharist…for it is the Lord!
In addition, if you have symptoms of a Cold, Cough, or Flu in charity it is appropriate to remain at home.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Keith Carroll
Pastor
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