This is a note from Father Kevin Poecking.
Many are getting Covid messages if you have an email or mobile phone. I get them too, but I wanted to send you this message to update everyone at OPV Catholic parishes on what we are doing for your spiritual and temporal welfare:
Masses are closed to the public. Nevertheless we believe that when a priest offers a Mass, Jesus Christ is offering salvation for the world and His people through that Mass, regardless of whom is present. You can receive Holy Communion spiritually
Act of Spiritual Communion My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
OPV LIVESTREAM MASSES
Daily 9 AM Mass; also 6:30p Mon & Wed
Weekend Masses are at each of our five churches:
Sat. 4p-STI, 5:30p-SJV;
Sun 8a-OLOJ, 9a-SJB, 11-SJAN
HOLYWEEK INFORMATION
Palm Sunday: Masses livestreamed as per the weekend schedule above.
This will be our schedule for Palm Sunday after which blessed palms will be available outside of each church after the Mass there.
Easter and Triduum
Holy Thursday 7 PM-OLOJ;
Good Fri. 3 PM-SJV;
Easter Vigil Sat. 8:30 PM-SJB;
Easter Sun. 7:30a-SJAN, 9a-OLOJ, 10:30p-SJV, Noon-STI
Special Treats for children will be available at each church Easter Sunday morning following the Mass there (8 a.m. for SJB) - come and pick up anytime.
IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH LIVESTREAM:
- Try disconnecting unused devices from your internet or wifi at home,
- Try directly connecting your device to internet and not use wifi,
- Try watching directly at https://livestream.com/opvcatholic,
- Try watching on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OPVCatholic/ (click on "Videos" on the left side menu)
- Try watching after the Mass is over; neighborhood internet might be slow at the time you are watching.
ADORATION At our bishop's instruction, all our churches are locked, but at OPV we have three tabernacles at SJB, SJV and OLOJ available to come and adore Jesus from our parking areas (at SJB in the parking circle between school and front of church). Bulletins are available in bins outside each OPV church.
BAPTISMS WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS are all suspended. Contact a priest by phone for instructions on an emergency baptism, to reschedule a wedding, or for help/prayers/support during a family members death. 412-793-4511. In danger of death, contact a priest about anointing or confession also.
SERVICE AND NEED We have set up a plan on our website to help those who are not able go out:
https://www.opvcatholic.org/covid-19-assistance You can "Volunteer to Help" or indicate "I Need Help" with groceries, medicine, bulletin, want to pray or just talk. Requests for help are increasing now that home supplies are thinning.
We are also creating a list for calling everyone in each of our parishes and starting that soon. Indicate in the "Volunteer to Help" if you would like to do that.
GIVING AND DONATIONS Many thanks to parishioners who are either dropping off donations at SJB or OLOJ at the rectory mail slot, or mailing.
When mailing, please mail to 444 Saint John St., Pgh, PA 15239.
With public Masses suspended, our offertory is very low and we have furloughed some staff and want to avoid furloughing more. Thank you for anything you can do to help. Online giving can fund "the poor/social ministry/St. Vincent de Paul" also which will help the expected urgent need soon for food banks and charity.
Our CCD, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, RCIA, two grade schools, & three preschools continue with online instruction and formation. We have also started Word on Fire Engage program with Bishop Robert Barron which will involve online courses and bible studies, moderated by Father George. Select the Engage with OPV in Flocknote.
You can sign up for regular updates "OPV Catholic Covid-19 Updates" or "OPV Online Bulletin" in Flocknote or by calling Rich Myler, our communications and technology manger, for assistance -
communication@opvcatholic.org 412-793-4511
Know that Father George, Father Dave and I are praying for you during this crisis.
In Christ's love,
Father Kevin