PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS AND LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS
We continue to monitor with concern the questions that are arising about the spread of the coronavirus. A task force is meeting to construct a contingency plan that will attempt to address comprehensive concerns, i.e. health and wellness, human resources, operations, etc. You will be alerted to any recommendations as soon as they are completed.
Joseph William Cardinal Tobin, C.Ss.R.
In the meantime, regarding the liturgy, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) states that the Diocesan Bishop “must promote, regulate, and be vigilant over the liturgical life of his diocese.” In light of the coronavirus, the uncertainty of how widespread and impactful it is and/or could be and as a precaution, Cardinal Tobin has directed the following:
Priests, deacons and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are urged to practice good hygiene, washing their hands before Mass begins or even using an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion, as is practiced in so many of our parishes and institutions already.
- We assure the faithful that if they are sick or are experiencing symptoms of sickness they are not obligated to attend Mass, and even out of charity they ought not to attend.
- The sign of peace will be exchanged without physical contact.
- Distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful via the chalice is to be suspended until further notice.
Should more aggressive steps than these be necessary, the parish will be notified. As stated at the outset, we continue to monitor with concern the questions that are arising about the spread of the coronavirus and will pass onto you the recommendations of the task force and any other information that would be helpful.
We pray that our compassionate Father would touch all affected by the current outbreak with healing and peace.
Thank you.