May 11, 2020

REOPENING OF CHURCHES
DIOCESE OF TRENTON
PHASE I

DIRECTIVES
 OUR LADY OF SORROWS-SAINT ANTHONY PARISH

Our Lady of Sorrows Church Only will be OPEN

Monday through Friday

9:00 am  to  12:00 pm  and 1:00  to  3:00 pm

REQUIRED FOR VISIT

• Masks must be worn
• Use of designated chairs only
• Only 10 visitors in church at one time
• Visits are limited to 15 mins
• Restrooms closed as health precaution

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May 9, 2020

REOPENING OF CHURCHES

PHASE I:   “FOR PRIVATE PRAYER ONLY”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

Approved:   Most Rev. David O’Connell, Bishop of Trenton [5/8/20]
Every faithful Catholic has been eagerly anticipating the day when we will be able to reopen our churches for prayer and worship. Contrary to what some people think or feel, the reopening of our parish churches will not be easy. There are many precautions that must be considered in order to ensure the health and safety of the faithful before we reopen churches. It’s not just a matter of opening the door and “flipping the switch.” Simply reopening churches for private prayer —- even without Mass, sacraments, group prayer—- must continue to incorporate some of the restrictions that we have become used to by now: no more than 10 people in a given space at the same time, wearing of masks in public, social distancing, etc. It is not merely the “opinion” of some people —- well-intentioned or maybe not —- that influences the decision to reopen. Most important is the expert advice of experienced public health officials who have cautioned us not to rush into reopening churches to the faithful before their safety can be assured or, at least, uncompromised, in the face of this virulent contagion.

The Diocese of Trenton has carefully followed their advice. At the same time, however, we realize that the current state of affairs cannot stay as it is forever, without some spiritual relief. In order to address this challenge, I have created a “Post Pandemic Parish Task Force” of Pastors, chaired by Monsignor Thomas Gervasio, Vicar General, to develop a “phased approach” from the reopening of churches for private prayer to the gradual restoration of our full Catholic and sacramental life. Following the three of phases outlined by public health officials in New Jersey, the Task Force has submitted its recommendations to me for Phase One, “Reopening of Churches for Private Prayer.” These recommendations are divided into two sections: one set of common directions for all parishes in the Diocese of Trenton to observe and the second set for individual pastors to adapt and implement in their parishes. Unless otherwise notified, these recommendations will take effect on Wednesday, May 13. the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima or anytime following once pastors determine they can safely do so. We commend our efforts to Our Lady’s maternal care.

TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS

Phase One: “Reopening of Churches for Private Prayer beginning:May 13, 2020”

Common Directives to be Observed by All Parishes

• Dispensation from Sunday/Holy Day obligation remains in force until further notice
• Mass will continue to be live-streamed from Our Lady of Sorrows Church without congregation on Sundays at 11:00 AM
• Pastors determine whether or not and when they can open their churches safely
• No public Masses or other group liturgical/devotional celebrations until further notice
• Sacramental celebrations in church (baptisms, confirmations, ordinary schedule of confessions, weddings) continue to be postponed until further notice
• Live-streaming of Masses without congregations to continue
• Churches will be closed during live-streamed Mass
• Those in high risk groups identified by CDC/ NJ Department of Health should remain  home
• Regular sanitization of churches after use
• Limited days open for private prayer: at least Monday through Friday
  [Monday through Friday at Our Lady of Sorrows Church ONLY]
• Hours for private prayer in open church to be determined by pastor
  [at Our Lady of Sorrows Church ONLY:
  Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  Visits should be for 15 minutes ]
• Limited number of visitors at one time (no more than 10) according to NJ state guidelines and social distancing (minimum of 6 feet between visitors) to be observed
• Areas/pews for seating to be reserved to facilitate cleaning afterward
  [at Our Lady of Sorrows Church: Access through the Office/Elevator entrance ONLY,
  seating in central nave ONLY]
• Wearing of masks is required of all visitors

 

 Directives Determined by Individual Pastors

• Pastors determine whether or not and when they can open their churches safely
  OLS-SA:  Since monitoring of number of visitors and regular cleaning is required, Only Our Lady of Sorrows-Church will be open during Phase I
• Limit days/times open for private prayer: at least Monday through Friday
• Coordinate “staggered hours” for open churches with pastors/parishes of deanery
• Designate a single entrance to control number of visitors
  At Our Lady of Sorrows Church, use Office/Elevator Entrance ONLY
• No gathering at entrance, steps or parking lots
• Public restroom facilities are closed as a preventive health measure
• Hymnals, pamphlets, books & papers will be removed; no handouts will be provided
• Provide trash receptacles at church entrance/exit; Visitors are encouraged to bring their own disinfectant wipes
• Directives will be published via social media, bulletin, church entrance

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May 1, 2020

Dear Parishioners:
 
Patience, prayer, and perseverance continue to be the characteristics of this COVID-19 time.  Fr. Joseph, Fr. Jean and I miss you and continue to keep you in prayer looking forward with you to the day when our churches can be re-opened and our lives can return to their familiar routines. Here is an update on our parish life, such as it is these days:

Our Spiritual Life

It is great to know that many are following our live-streamed Sunday Mass each week.  It is at least one way we can stay connected.  I certainly understand the strong desire that so many have to receive the Lord sacramentally.  This strange time has brought home to me in stronger way, how blessed we are as Catholics to have the graces of the sacraments to sanctify us. The inability to receive is a painful cross to be sure, but I think it has to have deepened our appreciation of the Eucharist!  Think of how joyful will be that moment when we can receive Jesus once again.
  
During this period, the Lord has called to Himself a few of our number and we could only conduct the Rites of Committal at the cemetery with only a few loved ones in attendance.  This is a painful experience for me and I can only imagine the sorrow of a grieving family in such circumstances. I have encouraged these families to arrange a memorial mass at our parish as soon as it is possible.

Tomorrow, May 2 would have been “First Communion Day!”  Confirmation would have been celebrated on March 28.  I am anxiously waiting for the day we celebrate these sacraments with our young parishioners. A few dates are being considered but we unable to make an official announcement.  I am also anxious to celebrate the reception into the Church of our RCIA candidates.  They have been so good to continue to gather “on line” for prayer and instruction.  They would have been received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. 

Can you imagine being an engaged couple during this time?  We have been in touch with our future brides and grooms to help them navigate through this precarious period.  
 
Our Patroness should not be neglected.  May is “her month” and we usually honor our Blessed Mother with a crowning.  A crowning can take place at any time and once we reopen, we shall schedule a ceremony on an appropriate day.

School & Religious Education

“Kudos” to our dedicated teachers and catechists who are continuing their ministry to our youngsters remotely.  Mrs. Tuohy and Mrs. Francis have been overseeing this important and unusual enterprise. It looks like our Summer Religious Education Program will be conducted “on-line.” In addition to our sacramental celebrations, we are considering how the Class of 2020 can be duly honored before they begin high school. 

Stewardship

Thanks to all who have not forgotten the Church’s precept to contribute to the needs of one’s parish.  As you can imagine, our usual level of weekly giving has greatly declined.  Still, I am very grateful that we are receiving about 40% of our usual collection that    arrives on-line, by mail or even through the rectory door mail slot.  Many people are very generous to remember our Lenten Project to support the needs of the poor in Africa being served by the Filippini Sisters.  Gifts are still welcome!

In light of the decline in revenue, a number of cuts and cost saving measures have been taken in our church and school operations. It is likely that a few measures will continue until we recover financially.  I have been keeping our finance council apprised of the state of our finances.  I am grateful for their advice and support.  I look forward to resuming soon our Pastoral Council meetings.

 

Mass Intentions

A few weekdays in 2020 are available to schedule Mass intentions in both our churches.   This can be done by mail.  Please call the parish office for information.

 

The Needy / Unemployed

Our concern for all those who are suffering financially during this time cannot falter. We have been responding to the appeals that come our way. Thanks to those who have sent donations for this purpose.

 

Looking Forward

As the future becomes clearer and brighter, I will keep you informed of our parish life.   I hasten to add that our Bishop and his advisors have been working on how our churches will implement the eventual reopening of our churches.  
 
During this month, let us turn to our Blessed Lady and pray with St. John Paul II: