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