Dear Parishioners,

Most recently THE FEDERATION OF DIOCESAN LITURGICAL COMMISSIONS wrote this:

Certainly, we value the communal nature of our liturgies and the inherent value of our community of faith and parish life. But these are not normal times. We have learned to adjust, temporarily, to a new normal of participating at Mass in front of a television or computer screen. We long for the sacraments and have relied upon the tradition of Spiritual Communion. We even celebrated the holiest days of our liturgical year in our living rooms – finding solace in the liturgy’s rich symbols, sacred texts, and ancient traditions. We stayed apart because this, too, is part of living in light of the Gospel.

In solidarity with the entire Body of Christ, we are aware of our obligation to respect our liturgical traditions, but also our obligation to respect the dignity of every human life – a dignity which the Church has always defended and protected. Our Bishops did not hesitate to suspend Masses and to dispense the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass.

During this pandemic, we will continue to champion the Common Good and to conduct our public gatherings in a manner which protects the health of our assemblies and others whom they will encounter. We will continue to mourn the dead and comfort those who mourn them. We will continue to pray for all the sick — in our cities, in our country and in our world.

We have become accustomed to restrictions in all areas of our lives. Visits among families and friends have been eliminated. Schools are closed and computer screens substitute for classrooms. Stores are boarded and restaurants are shuttered. Travel is restricted and public transportation is limited. We have learned to “stay safe at home” and to conduct meetings and even family gatherings “virtually.” Even entire sports seasons have been canceled. Food supplies are scarce. New, intensive cleaning protocols have become commonplace in stores, on airlines, on city streets, and in our homes. Masks and gloves are now customary attire and may be for a long time. We have come to appreciate that the novel coronavirus IS very real and that we all must do our part to “flatten the curve.”

I have to tell you I receive changing information daily on all kinds of topics that concern large gatherings such as worship, schools, and meetings. Our diocesan offices have not officially directed us as of yet for getting our worship assembly ready for large gatherings. Time will tell. One comment that some of my priest friends make is that sadly, parishioners who have their “sacred place” from which to worship probably will not be available to them because of continued social distancing and the roping off of pews! The “Singlers” always had the seventeenth row from the center aisle in our home church! 🙂 Just giving you a “heads up” as we all have to do our part for the sake of others and that is SO VERY CHRISTIAN!

Click here for the most recent letter I received today from the Ohio Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Many blessings,
Father Jim