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Important News
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Quote from Bishop Braxton's Letter:
In order to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community, I am now directing you to suspend all public celebrations of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Belleville effective immediately. This directive will remain in effect until personally rescinded or changed by me.
Because of the rapidly changing mandates from local, state, and federal governments as well as health officials, this is necessarily an evolving situation which may require re-evaluation and adjustment in the weeks ahead. Social distancing and proper hygiene will diminish communal transmission and flatten the curve of the virus, thus sparing us the stringent requirements of “lockdown” and “sheltering in place.”
(See Center for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov.)
In order to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community, I am now directing you to suspend all public celebrations of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Belleville effective immediately. This directive will remain in effect until personally rescinded or changed by me.
Because of the rapidly changing mandates from local, state, and federal governments as well as health officials, this is necessarily an evolving situation which may require re-evaluation and adjustment in the weeks ahead. Social distancing and proper hygiene will diminish communal transmission and flatten the curve of the virus, thus sparing us the stringent requirements of “lockdown” and “sheltering in place.”
(See Center for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov.)
Mass is available on
Ch. 11 KPLR on Sundays at 8:30 am.
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As we move into Holy Week this year, in many ways it feels like a continuation of Lent. We are still out in the desert, isolated and wondering how long this pandemic will go on. Many are tempted to go against what our leadership has asked of us and many feel abandon. Even the Holy Week services have been pared back from normal. Palms will not be blessed this year, the washing of feet (a symbol of service) will not be performed, no procession and adoration of the Eucharist, no kissing of the cross on Good Friday, no Easter fire, no blessing of Easter water, no baptisms, no public services…. On Ash Wednesday, we were encouraged to fast, give alms and pray. This is the best advice I have as we continue our journey to Easter with the great hope that sooner, rather than later this too, will pass. Although we are fasting from many of the traditions that we are used to celebrating as Christians, we can continue to be united through prayer. Each week we send the readings and reflections to you as well as other prayer opportunities.
The Holy Father approved a new Mass proper this week—In Time of Pandemic—and I have been offering it at Mass along with your intentions. There are many opportunities for Mass on broadcast television, cable, and livestreaming. I have gone back and forth with having it here for our parishes, but I would still need a crew of people to assist and I believe it is most important for everyone to limit their contact with others. Without a choir and the many people who make our usual services possible, it would not be as worthy a celebration. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Also it was announced that we have a new bishop-elect for the Belleville Diocese, but still have no day of ordination and installation. Welcome Bishop-Elect Michael McGovern! Let us pray for each other. I would just like to conclude with the new Prayer Over the People from the Mass for In Time of Pandemic:
O God, protector of all who hope in you,
bless your people, keep them safe,
defend them, prepare them,
that, free from sin and safe from the enemy,
they may persevere always in your love.
Through Christ our Lord.
The Holy Father approved a new Mass proper this week—In Time of Pandemic—and I have been offering it at Mass along with your intentions. There are many opportunities for Mass on broadcast television, cable, and livestreaming. I have gone back and forth with having it here for our parishes, but I would still need a crew of people to assist and I believe it is most important for everyone to limit their contact with others. Without a choir and the many people who make our usual services possible, it would not be as worthy a celebration. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Also it was announced that we have a new bishop-elect for the Belleville Diocese, but still have no day of ordination and installation. Welcome Bishop-Elect Michael McGovern! Let us pray for each other. I would just like to conclude with the new Prayer Over the People from the Mass for In Time of Pandemic:
O God, protector of all who hope in you,
bless your people, keep them safe,
defend them, prepare them,
that, free from sin and safe from the enemy,
they may persevere always in your love.
Through Christ our Lord.
Celebrating Mass at Home Resources:
Another Resource: Keeping the Triduum at Home
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St Luke’s Rummage Sale Postponed
St. Luke’s rummage sale has been postponed until the last weekend in May (29th & 30th). More information will be provided closer to the dates. Please hang onto your treasures until that time. In the meantime, we can clean out more closets and find more treasures to donate!
Questions: Call Kathy Lewis at 624-7112 or Susan Evers at 397-2295 or email susan.evers@sbcglobal.net
St. Luke’s rummage sale has been postponed until the last weekend in May (29th & 30th). More information will be provided closer to the dates. Please hang onto your treasures until that time. In the meantime, we can clean out more closets and find more treasures to donate!
Questions: Call Kathy Lewis at 624-7112 or Susan Evers at 397-2295 or email susan.evers@sbcglobal.net