Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Upper Uwchlan Township, PA
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, March 22, 2020
ARCHBISHOP NELSON J. PÉREZ ANNOUNCES THE SUSPENSION OF ALL PUBLIC MASSES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA.
On Tuesday, March 17, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced that Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez has suspended all public Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia effective at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, March 18, and until further notice.
Last week, the Archbishop dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Both decisions were made in response to the growing concern over the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the directives provided by government and health department officials at the local, state and national levels. These measures will be re-evaluated pending future developments.
Archbishop Pérez said, “As the Archbishop of Philadelphia, my first priority is to ensure the health and welfare of those entrusted to the pastoral and temporal care of our Church. So, in light of the developing Coronavirus pandemic, a decision has been made to suspend the public celebration of all Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the time being.
All of us need to do our part to slow the spread of this illness. Like you, we are monitoring Coronavirus developments and look forward to continuing our lives on a more normal basis.
While things may look and feel different during these uncertain times, I want to be very clear that the Catholic Church in Philadelphia is not closing down. It is not disappearing and it will not abandon you. Time and again as our history has proven the Church has risen to meet great challenges and provide a beacon of hope and light.
As your Shepherd, I promise that the Church remains steadfast and is prepared to walk with you and serve you. Neither the Church nor its charitable works will stop. God is always by our side. He never abandons us. I invite you to join me in prayerful solidarity for the intentions of the sick, suffering, and their caregivers as well as government and health officials. With God’s grace and blessing, we will navigate the difficult waters of this challenge as a united human family, for after all is said and done, we are people of Hope!”
Though public Masses are suspended in all churches in the Archdiocese, the right and need of the faithful to hear the Word of God and celebrate the Sacraments is not put aside. Pastors, along with all those who work with them, will be as attentive as possible to all the spiritual, pastoral and charitable needs of the people they serve.
Priests will continue to offer the sacrifice of the Holy Mass during this period and to honor all requested Mass intentions.
Churches can remain open as a location for private prayer at the discretion of the pastor. Baptisms, Confessions, Marriages and Funerals will take place as usual but with due regard for the limitation of participants and reasonable social distancing.
In conjunction with directives already in force in hospitals and institutions, all visits to the sick with Holy Communion, including in private homes, by priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are suspended. In such instances, only priests will be available to celebrate the Sacraments for those in immediate danger of death. In all circumstances, government and health agency directives for group size and social distancing are to be observed as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia strives to meet the pastoral and temporal needs of all those in need.
On Sunday, March 15th, the Archdiocese featured a live streaming broadcast of the 11:00 a.m. Mass on its website and Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page for the benefit of those wishing to participate in the liturgy remotely. This broadcast will continue each Sunday on an ongoing basis.
Additional information regarding opportunities for prayer and devotions are available on the Archdiocesan website.
For comprehensive information about the pastoral and temporal response of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit http://archphila.org/covid19/.
Internet Live Streaming of the Catholic Mass
Sunday Mass is aired at 11:00 AM from the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. The faithful are encouraged to participate by livestream through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s website (https://archphila.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ArchPhila/), or Archbishop Perez’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez/).
Some Spiritual Resources for Lent
Scripture Readings for Daily Mass: The readings of the day may be found on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website (http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031520.cfm). Find the calendar graphic on the right side of the page. Click on the appropriate Sunday to find the readings for the Liturgy of the word.
Daily Scripture and Reflections: Sign up to receive free emails from Growing Catholics (https://www.growingcatholics.com/) and/or Pray with Creighton University (https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Praying-in-the-time-of-the-virus.html).
A Prayer for the Sick
(especially for those suffering from the coronavirus)
Loving God, you sent your son Jesus Christ to heal the sick. We ask you to come to our aid in the midst of the coronavirus crisis that we too may experience your healing love. We ask you to heal those who are sick. Calm those who are living in fear. Be with those who have died and comfort their families.
Inspire health professionals to aid them in their healing work. Guide national leaders to lead and make decisions with wisdom. Help us to always be aware of your presence as we place our trust in you. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Prayer for an End to the Coronavirus Crisis
Loving God, we come before you in our time of need. We lay before you our concerns and fears over the spread of the coronavirus. We know that you are mightier than all our fears and that the name of Jesus is the name above all other names.
We ask, in the name of Jesus, that you stop the spread of the coronavirus. In your mercy, heal those who are sick and lead those who have died into your heavenly kingdom. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Saint Elizabeth parishioners answering
the need during the
Coronavirus Pandemic.
Sharing our Bounty Food Collection
Donations will go to:
St. Agnes Day Room, West Chester
The Lord’s Pantry, Downingtown
Sunday, March 29
8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Driveway in Front of the Church*
Suggested Non-perishable Items:
One can meals e.g. Manwich, Chef Boyardee, Beef Stew
Dry Cereal Fruit Juice (64oz) Spam
Peanut Butter Jelly
Dried beans Rice Canned Vegetables
Pasta Canned fruit Mashed potato mixes
Gift cards to Giant and Shop Rite gratefully accepted.
*Church is open at this time if you would like to visit.
Please be mindful of social distancing.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.