Search
-
March 7, 2020
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has suspended the offering of the chalice to the faithful in all Masses due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. This can be done without any negative spiritual consequences because the Church has taught for time immemorial that the entire Christ is contained in each species of Holy Communion, in the consecrated Bread ( the Host) and the consecrated Wine (the Precious Blood). The same grace is received by communing under only one species or both.
The Archdiocese also has asked pastors to change or drop the Sign of Peace that is offered in the Mass after the Our Father, so as to avoid handshaking, which could pass on the virus. The Sign of Peace has been an optional part of the liturgy since it was introduced in the reform of 1970. Therefore, Father Scott will not exercise the option to include the Sign of Peace during Mass.
Priests, deacons and Extraordinary Minsiters of Holy Communion have been directed to wash their hands before Mass and after distributing Holy Communion. We have always had sanitizer available to them and all parishioners but when dispensers become available we will add more stations. We will also be disinfecting more often the most used areas of the church, including the bathrooms and door handles.
Please note that the greeting which is our practice before Mass will continue but should be made without shaking hands. For everyone's safety, please understand if your pastor and deacons do not shake hands with you as you leave church.
If you experience symptoms of a cold or flu you are encouraged to remain at home and observe the Sunday obligation by personal prayer, Scripture reading and/or watching the Mass on television. There is no obligation to attend Mass if you are experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms.
Any shut-ins with flu-like symptoms should inform the parish office not to schedule an Extraordinary Minister to visit them. The Pastor is always available to visit in the case of an emergency and will take any necessary precautions.
When the threat has passed and new directives are issued by the Archdiocese we will happily return to our customary practices. Let us pray against the spread of disease and Coronavirus in particular, and for the doctors, nurses, health care providers and researchers who are treating patients and trying to prevent an epidemic. Thank for your understanding.