FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“Until further notice”.  While some places have set a distinct timeframe or until the government restrictions are lifted, our mandate is “until further notice”.  With the situation ever in flux, this recognizes the need for flexibility and reduces confusion.

It is (as of the time of this writing) uncertain!  Preparing for high liturgy for Holy Week is discouraged.  In the unlikely event that they would be able to be prudently celebrated publicly, albeit with great simplicity, it would be cause for great joy!  The Holy See has granted permission for the Triduum to be celebrated without an assembly.  Please note the following:

(Decree in a time of Covid-19, from the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments)

• The Triduum Liturgy (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday) cannot be transferred to different days.
• Priests have been given permission to celebrate the liturgical mysteries of the Paschal Triduum without a congregation.
  • The faithful are to be "informed of the times of celebration so they can prayerfully unite themselves in their homes.”
  • Live (though not recorded) televisual or internet broadcasts are helpful.

Holy Thursday

• The faculty to celebrate this Mass without the people is granted to all priests.
• The washing of the feet is to be omitted.
• A procession to a place of repose is to be omitted: the Blessed Sacrament is to be kept in the tabernacle.

Good Friday

• During the Universal Prayer, there is to be an additional special intention for the sick, the dead, for those who feel lost or dismayed, per paragraph 13.  

Easter Vigil

• Lucenarium:
  • Preparation and lighting of the fire is to be omitted.
  • Solemn procession of candles is to be omitted.
  • Paschal Candle is lit, and the Exsultet follows.
• Liturgy of the Word following the norm.
• During the Baptismal Liturgy, the “Renewal of Baptismal Promises” alone is necessary.
• Liturgy of the Eucharist follows.

This mandate is for the year 2020 only.

No.  It is a laudable desire, but as we are trying to “flatten the curve”, priests are advised to avoid any activity that confounds the intent of social distancing.  This includes more than “avoiding groups of 10” and “maintaining a 6-foot distance”.  People can be contagious yet asymptomatic.  Particularly in these immediate days, we are advised to strict observance of social distancing out of charity for all, for the protection of the priests as well as those they wish to serve.  An aside: any sense of favoritism within the parish is thus avoided.

Many obstacles would need to be overcome for churches to be open without compromising the intent of social distancing.  It is imperative that we avoid compromising these efforts.  If open, care must be taken to regularly clean and disinfect common surfaces throughout the day.

The Elect (those to be baptized) have been dispensed by the Archbishop from the required public scrutinies.  Coordinators have already received guidance, and this video does an excellent job covering RCIA details: Team RCIA  When they are able to celebrate their initiation will be determined at the parish level, dependent on the needs of the local community.

Priests are to maintain distances of 6 feet during confessions while care must be taken that groups larger than 10 are not gathered contrary to the government mandate.   Confined spaces (e.g. confessional chapels!) are to be avoided.  Common surfaces are to be cleansed/disaffected often.  In cases of urgency and danger of death, priests are currently allowed to administer the Sacrament of Anointing and Viaticum, while being intentional of handwashing before and after for the safety of all.  At this time, (March 19) personal protective garb (gloves, masks) are not required for home or nursing care facilities, however each institution may have its own policies that are to be respected.