Temporarily Masses Suspended and Churches Closed

FROM THE DIOCESE:

Today and effective immediately until further notice, Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, out of great concern for the health of the faithful and in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, has temporarily suspended all daily and weekend Masses in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Additionally, Bishop Gainer has suspended all public liturgies and devotions, and has asked that all churches and chapels be closed, including all perpetual adoration chapels.

Bishop Gainer made this decision after careful consideration of the recommendations from public health officials, and out of great concern for the health and well-being of the faithful, our clergy and parish staffs, given the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

“For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our life in Christ, strengthening us to remain firm in our faith as we journey through this life. Making this difficult decision to temporarily suspend Masses and close our churches was not made lightly,” said Bishop Gainer. “Rather, this decision has been made after careful discussions and considerable reflection on the advice being provided from healthcare professionals. I deeply care for all those members of my flock. As chief shepherd, it is my duty to see to their spiritual health, and now in these challenging times, also to their physical welfare. I continue to pray for all those impacted by this virus, for our medical professionals caring for the ill and for all people facing these uncertain times. I also pray for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary, health of the sick.”

A listing of live broadcasting and/or recordings of Masses from parishes throughout the Diocese is available on the Health Alerts page of the Diocesan website, www.hbgdiocese.org. Daily and Sunday Masses are also available from EWTN on Comcast channel 291 in the Harrisburg area, or online at https://video.ewtn.com/daily-mass.

Additional resources for parishes and the faithful will be available, also on the Diocesan website, in the coming days. These resources will include ways the faithful can continue to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

Please visit the Health Alerts page of the Diocesan website, www.hbgdiocese.org, for the most up-to-date information regarding the Diocese’s response to COVID-19, including a listing of Diocesan event cancelations and postponements, as well as additional COVID-19 prevention measures and recommendations.

FROM FATHER CARROLL...

In the coming days I will be looking for ways to bring you Jesus. I will be video taping my private Masses and posting them for you to join us spiritually throughout the day. Please stay tuned to our FACEBOOK page and Website during this time.

Important Parish Announcements

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.

Also consider the Spiritual Communion Prayer (Click Here)

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

NO GREATER LOVE SERIES IN PARISH AND ONLINE

NO GREATER LOVE - ONLINE

Our Parish Lenten Study Program
“No Greater LOVE”


A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion


Can be Viewed Online
right from your Home.


Click Here to Learn How

Lenten Companion

Lenten Companion with
Fr. Mark Toups
Weekly Mini-Reflections for Lent

As Lent begins and we begin a journey together, we want to say welcome! Lent is an opportunity for God to do something really special, personal and life changing in your life. Right now, God is looking at you in your heart and asking you
"Do You Want More?"
This Lent give God permission to speak to you about your heart!

Fr. Mark Toups, an experienced spiritual director, leads you inward to invite the Lord to heal those areas where you need it most.

Ash Wednesday
"Do You Want More"
16:45 Min

Week One: The Temptation in the Desert
" We find God with us in the struggle, and the temptation.
God wants to teach us how to resist."
5:30 min

Week Two: The Transfiguration

7:05 min

Week Three: The Samaritan Woman

Week Four: The Man Born Blind

Week Five: The Raising of Lazarus

Holy Week

Any Questions:
Contact Deacon Michael at
gospamir@comast.net or
717-347-7350