Please read the following from the Most Rev. David M. O'Connell, C.M., Bishop of Trenton:
BISHOP O’CONNELL: DISPENSATION FOR MASS OBLIGATION GIVEN, BUT CHURCHES WILL REMAIN OPEN
The following message was issued by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to parishioners of the Diocese of Trenton March 12, effective immediately:
The Governor of New Jersey is recommending – not mandating – that events anticipating crowds of 250-plus people be canceled due to the potential spread of the coronavirus.
As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I am NOT instructing that parish churches be closed or weekend Masses be canceled in the Diocese of Trenton. All weekend Masses should be celebrated as regularly scheduled. The Sacrament of Penance should also remain available. Previous instructions issued regarding liturgical practices at Mass remain in effect.
Those who are feeling sick or are in high risk groups should not celebrate or attend Mass and should stay home.
At the same time, I am granting a DISPENSATION from the OBLIGATION to attend weekend/Sunday Mass to all the Catholic faithful until further notice. Mass will still be offered in parishes for those who choose or who are able to attend. Otherwise, I recommend that the faithful pray and take advantage of/participate in Holy Mass that is broadcast on television.
Pastors should consider canceling other large gatherings of the faithful in parish churches or venues out of an abundance of caution. Families should be asked to limit attendance at other sacramental celebrations (e.g., Baptism, Confirmation) to immediate family only.
In light of the endurance of the virus on frequently touched surfaces – doors, pews, holy water fonts, etc. – please consider frequent, proper cleaning of these surfaces in our churches.
I cannot anticipate every (“what if …”) question that might be asked. I simply instruct pastors and priests to use the very best judgment possible and to keep informed of any developments as they arise.
At Visitation Parish we are taking every reasonable precaution possible to ensure the health and safety of all who come to our church to worship. We are striving to maintain that delicate balance of enacting reasonable and prudent precautions while striving to avoid unneeded and unproductive fear or anxiety. Please continue to monitor future postings on this forum as well as our parish webpage www.visitationrcchurch.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VisitationRomanCatholicChurch/
Please note the following schedule changes as of Friday 3/13 2:30PM:
Sunday and Weekday CCD Classes - CANCELLED FOR TWO WEEKS
Lenten mini-retreat - RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY MAY 23rd
Lenten dinner - CANCELLED
Bake Sale - CANCELLED
Annulment Information Night - CANCELLED
Groovin on a Sunday Afternoon dance - CANCELLED, TO BE RESCHEDULED
Wednesday Community Luncheon - SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
BINGO - SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Blessing Bag Brigade Packing Event - SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY 3/15
We continue to keep all of you in prayer and plead to almighty God that He keep us safe from harm in these most difficult days and everyday.
Prayer during strength and peace during this time
Jesus Christ,
you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
Jesus Christ, heal us. Amen.
-From America magazine, March 3, 2020