COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENTS
BISHOP GAINER SUSPENDS HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASSES
DIRECTIVE FOLLOWS DECREE FROM POPE FRANCIS
Today (March 26, 2020), Bishop Ronald W. Gainer regrettably announces that no public Masses will be celebrated for Palm Sunday, Holy Week or Easter. This difficult decision was made after careful consideration of the decree (In time of Covid-19 (II)) issued by Pope Francis, and in following the recommendations of state and local government and, most especially, out of continued concern for the health and wellbeing of the faithful during these unprecedented times.
“Our Diocese, our nation and our world are experiencing the unthinkable with the coronavirus. With this global pandemic in mind, the Holy See, Pope Francis, has decreed that all Holy Week and Easter Masses will be celebrated, but that countries impacted by coronavirus and in cases where restrictions regarding the assembly and movement of people are in place, the bishop and priests may celebrate without the presence of the faithful. With the restrictions and recommendations from our state government, and in consideration of the highly contagious nature of this virus, it would be irresponsible of me to open our parish while still in the midst of this pandemic,” said Bishop Gainer. “Please know the impact of this announcement is not lost on me. I too am deeply hurting by not being able to gather with the faithful for the celebration of Mass.
“Although we cannot come together for public Masses during this holiest time of year, our priests will celebrate Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Masses. Many of our Parishes are live streaming these Masses and I encourage the faithful to participate in Mass through these online means.”
Parishes throughout the Diocese have been asked to bless the palms used on Palm Sunday and to make them available for parishioners at a later date. The Chrism Mass in which the Holy Oils used in celebrating the sacraments are blessed and which traditionally is held during Holy Week, and includes a gathering of all priests from the Diocese in order to renew their priestly promises, has also been postponed. Parishes within the Diocese have been asked to prepare worship aids and distribute them to parishioners, allowing the faithful to more actively participate in the Holy Week and Easter Masses remotely.
Here at St. Philip’s, we are planning on streaming all of the Holy Week Masses/services and we will provide more instructions on how to view them in the coming week. You will be able to find those instructions here.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
CONTINUING CONTRIBUTIONS
With Bishop Gainer suspending all public Masses in the Diocese, please know that all of us at St. Philip’s are praying for all the members of our Parish and community during this time.
Amid the concerns that surround this current global situation and in light of all Masses being suspended, like many individuals, our Parish expenses will continue to mount during this difficult time. We are asking for your support, now more than ever. Please consider continuing your contributions by mailing in your envelopes or registering for Online Giving. Your gifts will enable us to keep things running smoothly, so when things get back to “normal” we will not have missed a beat!
Thank you for your continued support!
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
SPIRITUAL RESOURCES
Please click here for daily readings, reflections and other resources while Mass is temporarily suspended.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE
Effective immediately and until further notice, the parish office will not be open to visitors. Please call or email if you need anything. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
PARISH CANCELLATIONS & POSTPONEMENTS
Effective immediately and until further notice, all Masses and Parish activities have been cancelled. Please keep an eye on our Facebook Page and website for updates on re-opening and rescheduling of events.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
BISHOP GAINER JOINS FELLOW PENNSYLVANIA BISHOPS IN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING MASSES
Today (March 16, 2020) and effective immediately until further notice, Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, out of great concern for the health of the faithful and in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, has temporarily suspended all daily and weekend Masses in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Additionally, Bishop Gainer has suspended all public liturgies and devotions, and has asked that all churches and chapels be closed, including all perpetual adoration chapels.
Bishop Gainer made this decision after careful consideration of the recommendations from public health officials, and out of great concern for the health and well-being of the faithful, our clergy and parish staffs, given the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
“For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our life in Christ, strengthening us to remain firm in our faith as we journey through this life. Making this difficult decision to temporarily suspend Masses and close our churches was not made lightly,” said Bishop Gainer. “Rather, this decision has been made after careful discussions and considerable reflection on the advice being provided from healthcare professionals. I deeply care for all those members of my flock. As chief shepherd, it is my duty to see to their spiritual health, and now in these challenging times, also to their physical welfare. I continue to pray for all those impacted by this virus, for our medical professionals caring for the ill and for all people facing these uncertain times. I also pray for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary, health of the sick.”
A listing of live broadcasting and/or recordings of Masses from parishes throughout the Diocese is available on the Health Alerts page of the Diocesan website, www.hbgdiocese.org. Daily and Sunday Masses are also available from EWTN on Comcast channel 291 in the Harrisburg area, or online at video.ewtn.com/daily-mass.
Additional resources for parishes and the faithful will be available in the coming days. These resources will include ways the faithful can continue to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
Please visit the Health Alerts page of the Diocesan website, www.hbgdiocese.org, for the most up-to-date information regarding the Diocese’s response to COVID-19, including a listing of Diocesan event cancellations and postponements, as well as additional COVID-19 prevention measures and recommendations.