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THE CHANCERY
OFFICE OF THE VICAR GENERAL
ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK
MEMORANDUM
To: Brother Priests and Permanent Deacons
From: Father LaMorte
Date: March 20, 2020
Subject: Coronavirus Update XII
Although he mentioned it verbally during his address to the clergy on Wednesday, His Eminence would like to issue to all parishes throughout the ten counties of the Archdiocese of New York a number of additional guidelines governing the practice of the faith as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK SERVICES
1. The Mass on Palm Sunday, April 5 will not be open to the public. Masses celebrated by the priest in ‘private’ may not in any way include parishioners. Palms can be blessed by the priests who may decide to leave them on tables outside the front of the church doors for pickup. Try to ensure as much reverence as possible.
2. Reconciliation Monday, April 6 is an occasion of great blessing at the beginning of Holy Week. Sadly, we will not be participating this year. Priests may be available for individual confessions throughout the remainder of the Lenten season and during this period of crisis. This may take place in a more open area than the confessional. The use of the grill is to be encouraged.
3. The Mass of the Chrism, April 7 will not be celebrated. His Eminence will transfer this to a weekday in June, perhaps on the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 19) or of the apostles, Peter and Paul (June 29). Doing so would all priests to be present at the Mass to renew their promises in solidarity with each other after this difficult period. For now, continue to use the Holy Oils from last year. If you need more, contact my office and we will direct you where you may obtain them.
4. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 9, the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, April 10, the Easter Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection on April 11 and Easter Sunday, April 12 will not be celebrated publicly. Masses celebrated by the priest in ‘private’ may not in any way include parishioners.
5. All Masses from St. Patrick’s Cathedral with no congregation are being live streamed. Refer to the web sites of the cathedral and the Catholic Faith Network in previous memos.
CONFIRMATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Both of these sacraments will be postponed until further notice.
THE QUESTION OF GENERAL ABSOLUTION This has been raised by a number of priests and again, it was addressed verbally on Wednesday. This morning, we received a Note from the Apostolic Penitentiary on the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Current Pandemic. Although this will be explained more fully in a subsequent memo later today, you may wish to read the letter yourself. Basically, it does not allow for general absolution during this time of crisis. For now, you may read it at: http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2020/03/20/200 320d.html
A REMINDER TO ALL If you know of someone who is not receiving these communications from the archdiocese, please have him contact the data systems center at dsc@archny.org.
Have you traveled abroad?
Do you have flu like symptoms?
Have you recently spent time with someone who has had flu like symptoms?
For the short term, Fr. Kiely is recommending the following guidelines.
We are cancelling non-essential gatherings, such as, our Parish Council Meeting and Station of the Cross and Soup/Salad during Lent. We will not be doing any fundraising events until the Fall.
Current Mass services will remain the same. Currently, we are following the guidelines of our local school districts, as it applies to our Religious Ed Program. We will update you if this changes in the near future.
This is a good time to unite in prayer for the deliverance from this disease, for the safety of all those who are tending the sick, for the recovery of the sick and salvation of those who have died.
God Bless
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2020
Statement from The Archdiocese of New York on Mass Attendance
(New York, NY) In light of the serious health risks to vulnerable populations, and mindful of the instructions of medical professionals, the Archdiocese of New York has urged the faithful to use their prudential judgment on whether or not to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during the coronavirus outbreak. This is in keeping with the teaching of the Church, which has always exempted those with serious medical issues which would prohibit them from attending Mass, as well as for all people in times of general emergencies. This is especially true during this coronavirus outbreak, particularly for adults over the age of 60, people with underlying medical conditions, and family members of such individuals, who should take special care in discerning the best course of action.
At this time, while Mass will continue to be offered publicly in most cases, contingent on emergency restrictions regarding large gatherings. Those who do attend Mass are reminded that they should follow the guidelines in place, such as receiving Holy Communion reverently in the hand, not receiving the Precious Blood, being sure to wash hands/use sanitizer before and after Mass, and avoiding physical contact with or close proximity to other persons.
Those who are unable to attend Mass can follow the Mass on radio, television, or online where possible. Mass from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral will be broadcast and available on many cable systems via the Catholic Faith Network and its website at www.catholicfaithnetwork.org, livestreamed on the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral website at www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/live, and broadcast on radio on The Catholic Channel of Sirius XM (Channel 129).