From the Bishop

- From the Bishop
  
  Churches may reopen for private prayer only, in compliance with public health guidelines, May 13th
  
  Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has issued instructions for the reopening of churches in the Diocese of Trenton for private prayer only, following all public health guidelines, beginning May 13, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima or following, once pastors determine they can safely do so. The Bishop’s announcement follows:
  
  "Wisdom consists in following Providence step by step. And you can be sure of the truth of a maxim which seems paradoxical, namely, that he who is hasty falls back in the interests of God.” St. Vincent de Paul
  
  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 Msgr. 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 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”
  
  Common Directives to be Observed by All Parishes
  
  Dispensation from Sunday/Holy Day obligation remains in force until further notice.
  
  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 for private prayer and empty during live-streamed Masses and will be reopened for private prayer after Mass.
  
  Faithful from at risk groups as identified by CDC/NJ DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH should remain at home.
  
  Regular sanitization of churches after use.
  
  Limited days open for private prayer: at least Monday through Friday.
  
  Hours for private prayer in open church to be determined by pastor.
  
  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.
  
  Wearing of masks required for all those making visits
  
  Directives Determined by Individual Pastors
  
  Pastors determine whether or not and when they can open their churches safely.
  
  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; no gathering at entrance, steps or parking lots.
  
  Close public restroom facilities as a preventive health measure and post closure on restroom doors; consider posting this on website.
  
  Remove all worship aides, pamphlets, books and paper from church pews; provide no handouts.
  
  Utilize a volunteer cleaning crew if possible.
  
  Encourage visitors to bring their own disinfectant wipes; provide trash receptacles at church entrance/exit.
  
  Begin online searching for coronavirus deep cleaning services (for example, resources on CDC website).
  
  Parishes with multiple church sites should only open one site, preferably the larger one where social distancing is easier.
  
  Post ALL directives in online parish bulletins, parish websites, social media and at church entrance.
  
  If church is open on weekends, close one hour before live-streamed Mass time.
- CONFESSIONS DURING CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY
  
  Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued the following guidance April 2, 2020, on seeking Confession and the Sacrament of Penance during the current health crisis:
  
  During this time when our Churches and Chapels are closed, and when the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is of such grave concern, Confessions should only be requested of our priests in times of emergency or other extreme circumstances.
  
  I ask the faithful to reflect on the advice of Pope Francis and the Catechism’s teaching on seeking God’s forgiveness during these very difficult days:
  
  “But many people today would tell me, ‘Father, where can I find a priest, a confessor, because I can’t leave the house? And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want him to embrace me, I want the Father’s embrace.’ Do what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1452) says. It is very clear: If you cannot find a priest to confess to, speak directly with God, your father, and tell him the truth. Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,’ and ask for pardon with all your heart. Make an act of contrition and promise God, ‘I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now.’ And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God (Homily, Mass, March 20, 2020).”
  
  Visit the Diocesan Website for more information.
- NATIONAL RESOURCES WHERE MASSES MAY BE VIEWED
  
  Along with Masses that are being live-streamed through Youtube, etc. ---
  
  • Heart of the Nation: Type in your Zip code for information.
  
  • Comcast: Monmouth & Ocean, Channel 190, Mass is televised at 9 a.m. Sundays.
  
  • WPVI Channel 6 in Philadelphia has Mass every Sunday at 5:30 a.m.
  
  • The National Catholic Broadcasting Council (NCBC): The Catholic Faith Network is available on Optimum channel 29/137, Verizon FIOS TV channel 296 and Charter Spectrum channel 162/471 throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. CFN is also available on selected cable and satellite systems nationwide, along with vast on-demand library of original programming and a high quality 24.7 live stream.
  
  • The Catholic Faith Network: (Once logged into the website, click on the Schedule tab and then the date). The Catholic Faith Network is available on Optimum channel 29/137, Verizon FIOS TV channel 296 and Charter Spectrum channel 162/471 throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. CFN is also available on selected cable and satellite systems nationwide, along with a vast on-demand library of original programming and a high quality 24.7 live stream.
  
  • Catholic TV: Check the website for availability in your area.
  
  • Eternal Word Television Network: daily Mass at noon
  
  • Catholic TV Network: Mass every day from Sunday-Friday; Mass in Spanish every Sunday
  
  On The Radio
  
  • Domestic Church Media:Masses is broadcast Sunday-Friday at 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. On Saturdays, Mass is broadcast at 8 a.m. only. Tune into WFJS 1260AM and WFJS 89.3FM. DCM also livestreams on its website, DomesticChurchMedia.org, as well as on its free Mobile App, and on the Amazon and Google home speaker devices.
  
  • Perfil Latino TV
  
  • Relevant radio: Daily Audio Mass 1 p.m. Livestream: Weekdays at 1 p.m.; Sundays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Church of Saint Leo the Great

50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft, NJ 07738

Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton

From the Bishop

From the Bishop

Churches may reopen for private prayer only, in compliance with public health guidelines, May 13th

CONFESSIONS DURING CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY

NATIONAL RESOURCES WHERE MASSES MAY BE VIEWED