I enclosed the current directives from the Archdiocese of New York and the Governor. I hope this helps with regard any questions or concerns regarding the obligation to attend Mass at this time. Please consider that for as many people wanting Mass to be “canceled” for health reasons there may be as many who would desire the opposite at a time when people need access to the sacraments more than ever. This option allows each person to decide for themselves what they think is best. As you will read below, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated in times of general emergency (as now) and/or serious illness. In light of these directives, we should all do our best as our judgement and conscience dictate. Please keep those responsible for the health and safety of our communities in prayer. Please, as well, direct people to our website www.sapwh.org for updates and information regarding our parish. I hope as well to be able to broadcast Mass live from St. Anthony’s soon. If you would like to receive updates and alerts from the Archdiocese and/or our parish, please click here to sign-up for Flocknotes if you haven’t already done so. Please review and pass on the following as you see fit. --- Fr. Tom
PRACTICES FOR MASSES AND OTHER RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Governor Cuomo has issued a directive for all public gathering place, including houses of worship, limiting occupancy of each building to no more than 50% of the defined maximum occupancy, up to 500 people. We have been informed this directive has taken effect at 5:00 PM today, March 13. In light of this, the following actions should be taken.
Mass may continue to be held subject to the occupancy restrictions being imposed by the governor. No Mass should be attended by more than 50% of the church’s normal maximum occupancy (i.e., with a defined maximum occupancy of 400, Mass attendance may not exceed 200).
Beginning today and until Monday March 30, 2020, all religious education classes, parish gatherings and gatherings of 500 people or more should be suspended. A determination on resumption of these activities or an extension of the closure will be made before March 30.
Religious services (i.e., baptisms, first communions, confirmations, marriages, funerals and stations of the cross) may proceed at the pastor’s discretion, subject to the above occupancy restriction.
FURTHER:
Sickness is a valid reason not to attend Mass and other Church Gatherings. Any individual who is sick or has flu-like symptoms, is of advanced age, or believes they have a condition that puts them in a high-risk category for vulnerability to contracting the COVID-19 (i.e., advanced age, chronic medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and a weakened immune system) should be urged to stay home.
Those who are unable to attend Mass can follow the Mass on radio, television, or online where possible. Mass from St. 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 St. Patrick’s Cathedral website at www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/live, and broadcast on radio on The Catholic Channel of Sirius XM (Channel 129). The sick can make “spiritual communion” until they are able to return to good health.
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.
AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire You in my soul.
Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You were already there, I embrace You and unite myself wholly to You; permit not that I should ever be separated from You. Amen.
All are urged to keep in prayer those who are suffering from the coronavirus, as well as for doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all those who are working to combat the disease.
Prayer to the Virgin Mary for Protection
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith.
You, Our Lady of New York, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that,
as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection.
Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Amen.