COVID19 ADJUSTMENTS AS MASS PARTICIPATION IS RESTORED
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Christ is truly risen alleluia!
There is some light at the end of the tunnel, daylight. Over the past seven weeks you have shown forth your Christian maturity, your love of Christ in His Word and sacraments; you have exercised remarkable resolve in maintaining Christ at the center of your home (the domestic church) and in your commitment to tithe your resources back to the Lord in these difficult times for all of us.
As the state of Virginia prudently begins Phase I reopening beginning this weekend, the sacred worship at Holy Mass by all the faithful will also be permitted by the Diocese of Richmond, beginning at the Vigil Mass for the Ascension (May 23). Gradually, by God’s grace, Holy Mass will resume its full expression, beauty, and participation. Please, continue in your remarkable mode of love, patience, and unwavering resolve to give God worship and glory and to receive our Lord Jesus Christ sacramentally as we move forward.
Our adjustments as we regather are for everyone’s well-being. Also, the demands placed on us in these difficult modern times may, if we permit them to, remind us of difficulties and obstacles that confronted early Christians. They were forced into catacombs to celebrate Holy Mass and endured harsh travel simply to arrive at the holy altar. Remember that they emerged stronger in the Lord. We will do the same!
One with you “In Christ”,
Father Michael
Here are some of the adjustments to our usual worship which will lead us eventually to normal, full worship again. Per the Diocese of Richmond:
The suspension of Masses is lifted beginning with the Vigil Mass on Saturday, May 23, 2020; however, parishes must ensure there is appropriate social distancing (remain at least 6 feet from other people, among all gathered, including the priest and deacon in the sanctuary; the musician and cantor in their area of the church; and all lay faithful in attendance.
Vulnerable category: Parishes are strongly encouraged to stress upon the faithful in a vulnerable category (i.e., older adults, those 65 years and older; people who are immunocompromised) to remain home, as per the recommendation of the CDC and the Governor of Virginia.
Dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass: Due to the temporary capacity limit for liturgies which in turn limits the number of faithful who can attend Mass, and also recognizing that those in a vulnerable category should remain home, Bishop Knestout (for the time being) dispenses all of the faithful in the Diocese of Richmond from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days.
Bulletins: Parishes are to suppress the distribution of bulletins at this time.
The total number of people present cannot exceed the indoor capacity percentage (50% as of May 15, 2020) With Social Distancing enforced, SJA can seat approximately 150 in the worship space.
Family/households need not social distance, per Executive Order 61
Face Coverings: All present for the liturgy ages 3 and older must wear face coverings, as recommended by the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and Governor of Virginia, when present for any Mass or liturgical celebration. Parishioners are expected to provide their own face masks.
Time between each Mass: There must be at minimum three (3) hours between the start times of each Mass. For example, if Mass begins at 8:30 am, the next Mass may not be offered until 11:30 am.
Choirs suspended and assembly discouraged from singing: In light of some scientific data that has surfaced, parishes are to suspend the use of a choir and to strongly discourage singing by the assembly; it has been demonstrated that singing can increase the spread of the virus. A parish, however, may continue having present a musician (1) and cantor (1).
Processions: Any persons in the entrance and recessional procession must maintain social distancing.
Offertory: Parishes are to suppress the passing of baskets for receiving the financial offerings of parishioners which are expressions of their self-offering on the altar. Baskets in central locations may be an alternative.
Procession of the offertory and gifts of bread and wine: Parishes are to suppress this procession at this time.
Lord’s Prayer and Sign of Peace: Parishes are to continue the practice of refraining from holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and shaking hands during the Sign of Peace.
Only the priest and deacon are to distribute communion during the Mass. Lay ministers are not to distribute communion at this time.
The distribution of the cup remains suppressed
Due to the gathering limit established by the Governor of Virginia, no social gatherings may occur before or after Mass, e.g., coffee and donuts or a reception.
Outside of liturgical celebrations, the number allowed in the church is never to exceed 10 persons at one time.
Parishes are to remove all hymnals at this time and should not utilize paper, disposable worship aids.
Baptismal and holy water fonts are to remain empty until further notice.
Parishes may resume the celebration of Holy Hours of Adoration with Exposition for the lay faithful. These liturgies should last no longer than one hour.
All meetings or gatherings (administrative or ministerial like Knights of Columbus, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Bible Studies, etc.) continue to remain suspended.
At this time, lay volunteers should not visit the sick in any official capacity; however, they are encouraged to pray for the sick of their parish by name.
A Message From Your Pastor
Friends, Peace be with you! Welcome to St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church. We are a vibrant and growing parish of over 700 families. We are a community dedicated to the teachings of Jesus Christ as passed down through the Apostles and the Traditions of the Catholic Faith. We are devoted to the mission of the Church to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Please feel free to browse our web site and find out more about us. If, after reading our web-pages, you have questions about our Catholic life or worship, or if you feel the Lord is calling you to belong here, please contact us at our email address. We will respond to the best of our ability. In the meantime, may God bless you abundantly and give you Peace through His Son Jesus Christ.God be with your spirit,
-Father Mike Joly, Pastor St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
All Are Welcome
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Divine Mercy
Holy Hour of Praise and Worship The Giving of Alms The giving of alms is one way to share God’s gifts not only |
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Weekday Mass |
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