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
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”
While all directives will be observed, notes in
bold italic font indicate its application for Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish.
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
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:
Holy Virgin, increase our faith, fortify our hope, revive our charity! Succor those who suffer misfortunes, those who suffer solitude, hunger or unemployment. Strengthen those whose faith is weak. Bring a mother’s help, O Mary, to those who invoke you as their Benefactress. So let it be!