Coronavirus Information
Diocese of Paterson
(Updated June 9, 2020)
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A Prayer for Help & Healing
Covid-19In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world. We come to You today with our fears and concerns. You know what is in our hearts. We love You, we trust You, we need You. We ask You to be with us, to stay with us. Help us through these times of uncertainty and sorrow.
We know you are the Divine Physician, the healer of all. We ask You to bring your loving touch and healing presence to all those who are sick and suffering right now from the coronavirus. Please comfort them.
Please stand at the side of all medical professionals who are putting themselves at risk while they work to bring healing to others.
Please have mercy on those who have died, may they be with You in heaven.
Please be with the grieving families of those who have passed away.
Please be with those who are trying to find a remedy to this pandemic.
Lord, we are afraid and we are sorrowful. Please heal us. Send us your peace and overwhelming presence.
(if you have a special intention mention it here)
Jesus, we thirst for You. You chose to enter this world as a vulnerable baby. Be with the most vulnerable now. Help us to continue to return to You with our whole hearts throughout this ordeal. Amen.
Mary, our Mother, Untier of Knots. Pray for us.
St. Anthony the Great, patron of those affected by infectious diseases. Pray for us.
St. Edmund, patron of the victims of pandemics. Pray for us.
St. Damien of Molokai, who put himself at risk to minister to lepers. Pray for us.
St. Roch, who prayed for those suffering from infectious diseases. Pray for us.
St. Joseph, patron of the dying. Pray for us.
St. Jude and St. Rita, patrons of impossible causes. Pray for us.
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who was dedicated to caring for the sick. Pray for us.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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spiritual communion prayer
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
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Pope Francis’ Prayer for Protection and Help
“O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You…know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of those of us who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.”
Spanish Version
Oh María,
tu resplandeces siempre en nuestro camino
como signo de salvación y de esperanza
Confiamos en ti, Salud de los enfermos,
que junto a la cruz
te asociaste al dolor de Jesús,
manteniendo firme tu fe
Tú…sabes lo que necesitamos
y estamos seguros de que proveerás
para que, como en Caná de Galilea
pueda volver la alegría y la fiesta
después de este momento de prueba
Ayúdanos, Madre del Divino Amor,
a conformarnos a la voluntad del Padre
y hacer lo que nos diga Jesús
que ha tomado sobre sí nuestros sufrimientos
y se ha cargado con nuestros dolores
para llevarnos, a través de la cruz
a la alegría de la resurrección. Amén.
Bajo tu amparo nos acogemos,
santa Madre de Dios;
no deseches las oraciones
que te dirigimos
en nuestras necesidades,
antes bien
líbranos de todo peligro,
¡oh Virgen gloriosa y bendita!
¡Amén!
Polish Version
O Maryjo,
Ty zawsze oświecasz nasze drogi jako znak zbawienia i nadziei.
Poświęcamy się Tobie, my zdrowi i chorzy,
Którzy współuczestnicząc w cierpieniach Jezusa przy krzyżu, trwamy w twojej wierze.
Ty, zbawienie…
wiesz czego potrzebujemy, i ufamy, że obdarzysz nas łaskami o które błagamy, abyśmy jak w Kanie Galilejskiej powrócili do radości po tym czasie próby i zmagania.
Pomóż nam, Matko Boskiej Miłosci, przyjąć wolę Ojca Niebieskiego, abyśmy za wskazaniami Chrystusa, który przyjął na siebie nasze cierpienia i niósł w sobie nasze boleści, przez drogę krzyża, mogli dojść do radości zmartwychwstania.
Amen.
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Churches to open on June 13-14,the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
By
June 8, 2020
Mandate of the Apostolic Administrator
Public Celebration of the Liturgy Resumes
on the Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ
On the weekend of June 13-14, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, the churches and institutions of the Diocese of Paterson are to resume publicly celebrating the Sacred Liturgy with the faithful. Public celebrations of Holy Mass and all of the Sacraments must be in accord with previously issued Health and Safety Protocols which remain in effect until further notice. The Protocols for the Reopening of Churches to Public Liturgical Celebrations issued on May 18, 2020 by the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese are to be followed for the safety and health of all.
Most Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L, .D.D.
Apostolic Administrator
Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L., D.D.
Bishop of Paterson
Preparing to Open
Part One:
MEMORANDUM
To: Pastors/Administrators, Parochial Vicars, Retired Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Associates, Diocesan Staff
From: Msgr. James Mahoney
Date: May 7, 2020
Re: Preparing to Open your Facility - Part One
Although the dates for opening our parishes, etc. are not yet set, they will be coming soon, probably later this month or early next month. To help you get ready, I'll be sending you two emails developed by the Diocese. This is the first one - dealing with supplies that you should order for your facility - if you have not done so already. Tomorrow, the second email will give practical steps to make sure everything is working in your facility.
Part of knowing what to order is whether or not you need something more than regular cleaning. Here is the newest guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC): "If your workplace, school, or business has been unoccupied for 7 days or more, it will only need your normal routine cleaning to reopen the area. This is because the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been shown to survive on surfaces longer than this time." This means that you will not need to hire a specialized cleaning company to disinfect your church, school or other facility prior to reopening.
Cleaning and disinfecting will continue to be one of the best methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19 throughout your facilities. The latest guidance on cleaning and disinfecting methods and best practices can be found on the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html. Remember to read the cleaning or disinfecting product label and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. To avoid damaging surfaces, test new products on an inconspicuous area prior to general use.
Please note cleaning products are used to remove dirt, grime and oils. Disinfectants will kill bacteria and viruses.
Here is help on what supplies you may wish to order. Places throughout the country will be ordering supplies at the same time. Areas in bold should be ordered immediately. Amazon.com has many of these things available, but there are waiting times greater than usual. The best approach is to keep trying the website and other sites until you come across items with the best shipping times.-
Supplies - order products now. Areas in bold should be ordered immediately because they are in great demand. Your location may need additional items. You know best. Realize that cleaning and disinfecting will need to be performed on high touch surfaces with a greater frequency. This will result in needing more cleaning and disinfecting products.
Cleaning products
Disinfecting products for hard and soft surfaces - The EPAs list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) can be found and downloaded from the following site: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-
Hand Sanitizer
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No touch dispensers
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Refill bottles/cartridges for dispensers
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Hand Soap
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Disinfecting wipes
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Paper products
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Toilet paper
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Paper towels
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Trash can liners
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees
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Gloves
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Masks (these can be either disposable or washable)
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Eye protection (maintenance staff
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If you have any questions or need help finding supplies, please reach out to Dennis Rodano drodano@patersondiocese.org or Richard Ziccardi rziccardi@patersondiocese.org.
Please stay safe and take care of yourself.Rev. Msgr. James T. Mahoney, Ph.D.
Part Two:
MEMORANDUM
To: Pastors/Administrators, Parochial Vicars, Retired Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Associates, Diocesan Staff
From: Msgr. James Mahoney
Date: May 8, 2020
Re: Preparing to Open your Facility - Things to be done
Our buildings have been empty. Despite not having people in them, there are still things to do to keep them in great condition when people return. Here are some simple things which can be - at low cost - and in very little time - which will make a difference in your buildings.
Maintenance Procedures:-
Water pipes in your facility - Maintain at least once a week
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Starting with valves closest to the water main, open all domestic water valves (sinks, showers, fountains, etc.) and flush them for at least five minutes.
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Flush toilets twice
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Pour water down floor drains to prevent them from drying out
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Roof drains and gutters
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Continue to inspect and clean to prevent water issues
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Property Maintenance
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Continue to inspect and correct issues that may present a tripping hazard
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parking lot, sidewalks, stairs and common areas
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Begin conversations with your contractors on the items below. It would best to work on these things in the couple of weeks right before you reopen.
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Fire & Life safety
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Test fire alarm (alarm panel, smoke/heat detectors, etc.)
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Test emergency lighting
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Confirm fire exits are clear of any obstructions
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HVAC equipment
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Consult with your air conditioning contractor to see if your systems can be modified to
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Increase/enhance air filtration (use filters that trap smaller particles)
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Increase the number of air exchanges (open the outside air damper more)
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Air handlers - Order filters and change prior to reopening. Make sure you have at least two sets of filters in stock.
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Mini splits - wash filters using the manufacturers approved cleaners and methods
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Cleaning
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Complete a deep cleaning and continue to maintain
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Church
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Parish Offices
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Parish offices/Work spaces
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Do the best you can on these tasks. Review the layout of work spaces for compliance with social distancing. Can you have six feet of space between each desk or work space? Make the necessary adjustments before people return.
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Continue to monitor your operations. We will all have to adjust what we do. It is a different time.
If you have any questions or need help, please reach out to Dennis Rodano drodano@patersondiocese.org or Richard Ziccardi rziccardi@patersondiocese.org.
Please stay safe and take care of yourself.Rev. Msgr. James T. Mahoney, Ph.D.
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Links
- Live-Streaming & Technology Tips for Parishes (Chancery Website)
- Bishop Serratelli's Article on Coronavirus
- Online Mass: EWTN Daily Mass
- Coronavirus Prayer Card (English)
- Coronavirus Prayer Card (Spanish)
- Coronavirus Prayer Card (Vietnamese)
- Prayer Resource: Give Us This Day
- Pope Francis’ Prayer for Protection
- USCCB Coronavirus Webpage
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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 PatersonMarch 19, 2020 - Additional Health and Safety MeasuresBy 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.
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Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L., D.D.
Bishop of Paterson
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Reverend Stephen T. Prisk
Ecclesiastical Notary -
Updated MArch 19, 2020
Health and Safety Measures for Pastoral Life
in the Diocese of Paterson
Effective ImmediatelyBy 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, 202