Bishop Serratelli will be presiding at the following
livestreamed liturgies at St. Paul Inside the Walls: 

• Sunday, April 5, Palm Sunday, 11 am
• Holy Thursday, April 9, 7 pm
• Good Friday, April 10, 3 pm
• Easter Vigil, April 11, 8 pm
• Easter Sunday, April 12, 11 am

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March 20, 2020 Norms for Holy Week, the Paschal Triduum, and Easter in the Diocese of Paterson By Mandate of the Bishop By mandate of the Supreme Pontiff, Francis, the diocesan bishop has been given wide discretion by Decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (Prot. N. 153/20) regarding the observance of Holy Week, the Paschal Triduum, and Easter for the year 2020 in the local church entrusted to his apostolic care. In keeping with the provisions of the aforementioned decree and as moderator of liturgical life among the faithful entrusted to my care (Code of Canon Law: c. 835 §1) I make the following provisions for all parishes and institutions of the Diocese of Paterson: 1. The date of Easter is the linchpin of the entire liturgical year and is declared immovable by the Apostolic See through mandate of the Supreme Pontiff. The date of Easter remains April 12, 2020. 2. The Chrism Mass is postponed to a date following Easter. The announcement of the date of the celebration will be given at a later time. The Sacred Chrism and Holy Oils consecrated and blessed last year remain for the administration of the sacraments. The administration of sacraments are completely valid and licit with the use of the Sacred Chrism and Holy Oils consecrated and blessed last year. 3. Holy Week, the Paschal Triduum, and Easter will be celebrated without the physical participation of the faithful. 4. To the degree that they are able, parishes are to live stream the liturgical celebrations of the Holy Week and Easter to the faithful without the physical presence of the faithful. 5. Liturgical celebrations are to be live streamed and not recorded so that the faithful may prayerfully unite themselves from their homes with the sacred action taking place in the parish church or chapel. Further specific norms regarding individual celebrations: 1. Passion (Palm) Sunday: Palm is not to be blessed for distribution at this time; it will be blessed and distributed at a later time. The third form for the Entrance, i.e., The Simple Entrance as designated in the Roman Missal is to be used. All forms of the procession are suspended but the designated antiphon in the form of the Simple Entrance may be used. 2. Holy Thursday: The priests of the parish may celebrate the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper at any hour of the day and in any suitable place without people. The washing of feet, already optional, is omitted in every celebration this year. The procession to the place of adoration is omitted and the Blessed Sacrament is not available for adoration. It is appropriate for the parish priest to spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament following the Mass in prayer for the people of his parish. The parish church should not be kept open on the evening of Holy Thursday to prevent the gathering of large crowds. 3. Priests unable to celebrate Mass on Holy Thursday should not fail to offer the Vespers of the day from the Liturgy of the Hours. 4. Good Friday: To the measure that it is possible, the parish priest should celebrate the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion without people present. There is no veneration of the cross by the people. A special intention for the sick, the dead, and those who feel lost or dismayed is to be added to the Universal Prayer. The parish church should not be kept open on Good Friday to prevent the gathering of large crowds. 5. The Easter Vigil: Where there is a real possibility of doing so, determined by the pastor responsible, the Easter Vigil is celebrated in the parish church. The Solemn Beginning of the Vigil or Lucenarium is omitted. The Paschal Candle is simply lit and the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) follows. The Liturgy of the Word then takes place. For the Baptismal Liturgy only the Renewal of Baptism Promises is necessary. The font is not blessed. 6. All expressions of popular piety and processions, i.e., live Stations of the Cross, processions with the Sorrowful Mother or other types of processions are suspended. Such expressions of piety may be moved to later dates which will be announced at an appropriate time. 7. Easter food is not blessed at the parish or any other public setting. The faithful may be referred to an adaptation made by the pastor and distributed via the internet of the Order for the Blessing of Food for the First Meal of Easter in the Book of Blessings. 8. The Mass of Easter Day may be celebrated and the faithful joined spiritually with the liturgical action through live stream. 9. All the above guidelines apply to religious houses, institutes and communities. A Plenary Indulgence The Apostolic Penitentiary, through the authority of the Supreme Pontiff, has granted a Plenary Indulgence to all of those who are suffering from the coronavirus or those who are caring for those who are ill, and additionally to all those subject to quarantine during this time of grave difficulty. In order to obtain the Indulgence, which is the remission before God of guilt for sins already forgiven, the faithful are to observe the devotions and disposition outlined in the decree:   The Plenary Indulgence is granted to the faithful suffering from Coronavirus, who are subject to quarantine by order of the health authority in hospitals or in their own homes if, with a spirit detached from any sin, they unite spiritually through the media to the celebration of Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, to the pious practice of the Way of the Cross or other forms of devotion, or if at least they will recite the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters, with the will to fulfil the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the Holy Father's intentions), as soon as possible.   Health care workers, family members and all those who, following the example of the Good Samaritan, exposing themselves to the risk of contagion, care for the sick of Coronavirus according to the words of the divine Redeemer: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15: 13), will obtain the same gift of the Plenary Indulgence under the same conditions.   The Holy Father has provided this Plenary Indulgence in order for the suffering and those who selflessly labor in the care of the sick are united ever more closely with Christ the healer and reliant on the all-powerful and never failing mercy of God.   All to the contrary notwithstanding. Given this 20th day of March, 2020. Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L., D.D. Bishop of Paterson Rev. Stephen T. Prisk Vice Chancellor March 20, 2020 My dear friends in Christ, We are living through an historic time. It can either shake our spirit or strengthen our resolve. I encourage you to find solace in our Catholic faith that we hold so dear. While the public celebration of Mass is currently unavailable at our parishes, it is more important than ever to keep our faith in the forefront of our lives. Please visit our diocesan website at www.patersondiocese.org/coronavirus for some good and helpful information. It includes a video message from me, a spiritual communion prayer and various options for viewing Mass on-line. During these coming weeks, as we continue to stay close to home, I have asked diocesan staff to reach out to you by email on my behalf to keep you informed about our diocesan response to the coronavirus outbreak and to update you as needed. In the meantime, please be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones. I ask you to pray for me, your pastor and your parish community during this difficult time for our nation, our world and our Church. May Mary the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States, bestow her blessings on our country and unite us so that we may emerge from this challenge strengthened in our faith and enriched as a community of believers.

Faithfully yours in Christ,        Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L., D.D.  Bishop of Paterson

March 19, 2020 - Additional Health and Safety Measures

By Mandate of the Bishop

As events and civil guidelines continue to unfold the following Health and Safety Measures are effective immediately.

Deferral of Baptism

Until further notice all baptisms administered by the ordinary minister of the sacrament within the parish setting are deferred except in case of urgent necessity. Should an urgent necessity arise, the faithful should contact a priest immediately.

Funeral Rites

Because of the impossibility of limiting large gatherings of family and friends for a Funeral Mass, all Funeral Masses are to be discontinued until further notice. The Rite of Committal as established in the Order of Christian Funerals may be used for a graveside service with no more than 8 members of the immediate family present. All are to keep the recommended social distance. The priest is to offer a private Mass for the repose of the soul of the departed. A public Memorial Mass can be arranged for a later date when restrictions on the gathering of large crowds have been lifted.

______________________________________________
Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L., D.D.
Bishop of Paterson
  
_______________________________
Reverend Stephen T. Prisk
Ecclesiastical Notary

Updated MArch 19, 2020

Health and Safety Measures for Pastoral Life
in the Diocese of Paterson

Effective Immediately

By Mandate of the Bishop

As the cases of coronavirus increase exponentially, it is a moral imperative for all people to do what is humanly possible to prevent the spread of the illness. Large gatherings of people have rapidly become a grave health risk. Therefore, I am making the following provisions for the Diocese of Paterson, effective immediately.

Suspension of Public Masses 

All public Masses are hereby suspended in the Diocese of Paterson until further notice. Since the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, all priests of the Diocese of Paterson must celebrate Mass privately for the good of all of the Christian faithful entrusted to their care and for all people during this critical time. Priests should celebrate this private Mass even if another priest or deacon cannot be with them to assist.  Priests are reminded of the obligation to offer Mass for the intentions of those who have made an offering for the Mass.
             
We take to heart the admonition of Saint Paul: "Rejoice in hope, endure in afflictions, persevere in prayer."  (Romans 12:12). This would be a time to encourage families to pray the Rosary at home, and to make the grace before meals a time for fathers and mothers, and all families, to center their homes on prayer and reliance upon God’s mercy.

Suspension of Welcome Home to Healing Confessions, Lenten Penance Services

The Welcome Home to Healing initiative of Monday night confessions is suspended. Any scheduled Penance Services or Penitential Liturgies are suspended. Any gatherings of the faithful for private devotions such as the Stations of the Cross are also suspended. Our churches are to remain open to the faithful for private prayer. Please note that praying in large clusters or groups of people is prohibited. You must observe the government curfews.

Adoration and Private Prayer

 Parishes are encouraged to expose the Blessed Sacrament for at least three hours each day so that the faithful may come and pray and unite themselves in spiritual communion with the Lord. The hours for Exposition and Adoration should be posted. Priests should administer the Sacrament of Penance or the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to the Christian faithful who legitimately request those sacraments.

Suspension of the Sacrament of Confirmation

The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is hereby suspended in the Diocese of Paterson. Confirmation retreats should be deferred. As developments continue to unfold, we will assess the situation. When it is prudent, we will make the necessary arrangements for the celebration of the Sacrament.

First Penance and First Holy Communion

Since the celebrations of First Penance and First Holy Communion bring together large groups of people, both celebrations are to be deferred in all parishes until further notice.

Weddings

The celebration of weddings is left to the discretion of the local pastor. The pastor must take into account the ongoing guidance from civil authorities regarding the acceptable size of crowds in public spaces. Every effort to guide couples with pastoral sensitivity must be made. Should questions arise, please contact the Office of the Vicar General.

Deferral of Baptism (updated March 19, 2020)

Until further notice all baptisms administered by the ordinary minister of the sacrament within the parish setting are deferred except in case of urgent necessity. Should an urgent necessity arise, the faithful should contact a priest immediately.

Funeral Rites (updated March 19, 2020)

Because of the impossibility of limiting large gatherings of family and friends for a Funeral Mass, all Funeral Masses are to be discontinued until further notice. The Rite of Committal as established in the Order of Christian Funerals may be used for a graveside service with no more than 8 members of the immediate family present. All are to keep the recommended social distance. The priest is to offer a private Mass for the repose of the soul of the departed. A public Memorial Mass can be arranged for a later date when restrictions on the gathering of large crowds have been lifted.

Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum

Any decision in terms of Holy Week, the Chrism Mass, the Sacred Triduum, and Easter will be made as we monitor the situation. Parishes will be advised in due time.

Thank you for your cooperation and all necessary steps you take in order to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.  We pray for the healing gifts of the Holy Spirit to descend upon all people during this critical period. In this time of trial, we depend on the mercy and goodness of God to protect us.

Therefore, I urge all to join in fervent prayer, especially by praying the rosary. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, may the Lord, in his mercy, deliver us from this present danger.

• All to the contrary notwithstanding.
• Given at the Chancery of the Diocese of Paterson, this 16th day of March, 2020

Bishop Serratelli's article

Physician-Assisted Suicide and the Descent to Hades

On March 25, 2019, both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly passed the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. This means that, just as in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C., physicians can now help someone kill themselves. Legally! Doctors now become dealers in death.  So contrary to the Hippocratic Oath that states “I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment, but never with a view to injury and wrong-doing. Neither will I administer a poison to anybody when asked to do so, nor will I suggest such a course.”

Read more..

Statement by the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey on What the Catholic Church has done and continues to do to Protect Children