The Catholic Church expresses Herself through the celebration of the Sacraments. As such, it has been a difficult and confusing time for many as the Church has grappled with the realities of this seemingly invisible, yet serious virus. Centuries ago during outbreaks of illness, people would continue to gather in churches – not realizing that gathering in these sacred spaces, often with poor ventilation and with many common touch-points – actually caused the churches to be vectors for spreading these illnesses. In our day and age, the Church responds to outbreaks differently; hence, the reason for the suspension from public celebration of the Sacraments and embracing social-distancing measures.
SPREADING GOD’S MESSAGE – WHILE NOT SPREADING THE VIRUS
Local churches, whether these be certain [arch]dioceses or particular parishes, have sought ways to be pastorally present while taking social-distancing measures into consideration. God’s message is being broadcast via radio, television, Internet and within literature. Also, for those things necessitating pastoral action, people safely meet to speak with a pastoral care provider either by phone or in-person. Furthermore, if church doors do remain open for personal prayer, then a regular sanitation procedure must be in-place, and social-distancing norms must be monitored. Saint Bonaventure Catholic Community has embraced and continues to implement all of these measures.
CLARIFICATIONS ON THE SACRAMENTS
Saint Bonaventure Catholic Community will abide by the Sacramental guidelines provided by the Archdiocese.
Friends, it is strange and disheartening to not be celebrating the sacred Sacraments of our Faith together during this time. The reality is that celebrating the Sacraments is largely communal and involves close-proximity and/or personal touch, for Sacramental Theology is highly incarnational! It is with great care in-mind that the Sacramental practices have been suspended, yet Sacramental dispensations have been enacted by the Church. As a Franciscan priest, I greatly look forward to celebrating the Faith with y’all again, yet it seems we may need to bless this time with our patience.
With great pastoral affection,
Friar Bryan Hajovsky, OFM Conv
SPREADING GOD’S MESSAGE – WHILE NOT SPREADING THE VIRUS
Local churches, whether these be certain [arch]dioceses or particular parishes, have sought ways to be pastorally present while taking social-distancing measures into consideration. God’s message is being broadcast via radio, television, Internet and within literature. Also, for those things necessitating pastoral action, people safely meet to speak with a pastoral care provider either by phone or in-person. Furthermore, if church doors do remain open for personal prayer, then a regular sanitation procedure must be in-place, and social-distancing norms must be monitored. Saint Bonaventure Catholic Community has embraced and continues to implement all of these measures.
CLARIFICATIONS ON THE SACRAMENTS
Saint Bonaventure Catholic Community will abide by the Sacramental guidelines provided by the Archdiocese.
- Eucharist: Some pastors misinterpreted a guideline given by the Archdiocese. Some pastors thought they HAD to give the Eucharist during the Easter season. This is not true. Upon hearing of parishes coordinating for their parishioners to receive the Eucharist, the Archdiocese sent a clarification citing to not do this during the pandemic.
- Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick: Some pastors have been utilizing the telephone or other media to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation or to recite the prayers for Anointing of the Sick while a non-priest administers the sacred oils onto a person. Neither of these is permissible.
- Baptism & Confirmation: Unless a non-baptized person is in grave danger of immediate death, baptisms are to be suspended. Baptisms and Confirmations will resume when guidelines are provided by the archdiocese.
- Matrimony & Funerals: These rites may be permitted insofar as all social-distancing measures are respected—currently, only 10 persons total. Many of these have been postponed until a future date.
- Holy Orders: To my knowledge, I believe all ordinations have been suspended at this time.
Friends, it is strange and disheartening to not be celebrating the sacred Sacraments of our Faith together during this time. The reality is that celebrating the Sacraments is largely communal and involves close-proximity and/or personal touch, for Sacramental Theology is highly incarnational! It is with great care in-mind that the Sacramental practices have been suspended, yet Sacramental dispensations have been enacted by the Church. As a Franciscan priest, I greatly look forward to celebrating the Faith with y’all again, yet it seems we may need to bless this time with our patience.
With great pastoral affection,
Friar Bryan Hajovsky, OFM Conv
RSS Feed