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Immaculate Conception Church
Seventh Sunday of Easter May 24, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
As we are looking forward to the reopening of our church, I feel that is going to be like a family reunion, and equally I feel we are excited and emotional at being able to come
back to worship after weeks of having to close down the church to in-person Mass and especially as Catholics who have never missed a weekend of Mass. I felt a lot of pain for my parishioners that have wanted to come to Mass but were unable to do so.
We will be facing some challenges as we figure out and plan for the return to public Masses in this unusual situation. At this time we have no idea how many people will be attending Mass. Therefore, we are placing sign-up sheets in the Narthex to give us an estimate.
As you are coming to church, please wear masks to services for now, and if you don’t feel comfortable in coming then you may continue watching the Mass live streams for the time being. We will be following the guidelines from the diocese, enacting social distancing and the sanitizing of surfaces. Measures have been taken to remove Missals and hymnals, so that no hand-to-hand passing of items between attendees will be necessary, to avoid spreading the coronavirus. Sanitizer will be available and there will be a locked box for you to deposit your contributions and offerings. The
Readings and music will be included in the Sunday bulletin. They will be available for pick-up as you enter the Church.
We will engage ourselves fully to make everyone safe and comfortable. I want to reassure you that we are taking every recommended precaution and following every guideline to ensure an environment in which you are comfortable.
I highly encourage you to read the Diocese’s Reopening Guidelines and Best Practices.
Blessings
Sincerely yours,
Fr Jude Shayo, AJ
Pastor
Summary of Preventative Measures for ICC and Mission Churches
1. Anyone who is sick, anyone who has a cough, should not come to Church at this time.
2. Anyone who would be considered at high risk (i.e. those who are older, or those who have underlying health conditions) should not come to Church at this time.
3. Hand sanitizer will be placed at each entrance to the Church.
4. Face coverings or masks should be worn at all times.
5. Social distancing will be observed. Every other pew will be roped off and unusable. In the pews, a distance of approximately six feet should be maintained between persons. Families or Couples do not need to do so.
6. Communion from the cup will not be allowed.
7. We encourage all to receive Holy Communion in your hand. However, Communion on the tongue will not be refused.
8. Please remain in your pew until an usher invites your pew to go forward for Communion. Do not form a line in the aisle. Be sure to keep six feet between you and the person in front of you.
9. At the end of Mass, the ushers will again alert each pew when it is your turn to leave the Church.
10. Bulletins must be taken home with you. Do not leave them in the pew. They cannot be used again at the next Mass.
11. Any visiting after Mass should be done outside the Church.
12. After each Mass, the pews will be wiped down with Clorox wipes.
Confessions are arranged by appointment, you can call the Church Office at 478-272-0266, or our emergency number 478-484-3607 or email: [email protected]. Also confessions will be heard on Sunday the 24th from 3:00 p.m. until Benediction at 6:00 p.m.
This Week: Saturday – May 23rd 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass + Wilma Sunday – May 24th 9:00 a.m. +Wilma Monday – May 25th 8:00 a.m. Dr. Jose Balbona Tuesday – May 26th 8:00 a.m. Mothers & Fathers of our Parish Wednesday – May27th 8:00 a.m. Mothers & Fathers of our Parish 6:00 p.m. +Elton Davis Thursday – May 28th 8:00 a.m. Mothers & Fathers of our Parish Friday –May 29th 8:00 a.m. Mothers & Fathers of our Parish
Financial Report
Immaculate Conception (242 Registered Families) Weekly Expense $4,911.00 Offertory $1352.50 Parish Center Campaign $180.00 ACA Goal for 2020 $23,380.00 Total Given 8,451.09
St. William Mission (29 Registered Families) Weekly Expense $1,257.00 Offertory $630.00 Maintenance Fund $75.00 ACA Goal for 2020 $4,872.00 Total Given: 4,476.00 Holy Redeemer (45 Registered Families) Weekly Expense $720.00 Offertory $100.00 Year to Date Total: $16,379.28 ACA Goal for 2020 $4,817.00 Total Given 120.00 St Mark (39 Registered Families) Weekly Expense $1,094.00 Offertory $0.00 ACA Goal for 2020 $4,016.00 Total Given 50.00 Father Jude would like to express his sincere gratitude to those of you who have been able to continue your financial support of our parish during this challenging time. We have received offertory contributions on-line, dropped at the parish office and through the mail. God bless you all!!!
May 2020 09- Angel & Dianalyn Manalo (11) 12- Stephen & Beverly Conner (8) 13- Allen & Debbie Devaney (48) 15- Daniel & Maria DiMartino (21) 28- John & Lynn Whittle (32) 30- Nicole & Bill McClarin (22)
May 2020 24- Dominic Ingrando, James Bedingfield 25- Carlos DiMartino 28 – Norma Lopez, German Benítez 29- Warren McLendon, Claire Nguyen
ATTENTION EVERYONE The Knights of Columbus State Charity Raffle tickets can be sold until June 30th. The date for the drawing will be announced at a later date. The Charity that was chosen for this year is Holy Redeemer Mission Church. Thank you to everyone who is participating in this Charity Raffle.
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For the Feast of Pentecost
The novena in honor of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He
sent His Apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the first
Pentecost. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for
the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Catholic today. To
encourage devotion to the Holy Spirit, the Church has granted the following
indulgences:
"The faithful who devoutly assist at the public novena in honor of the Holy Spirit
immediately preceding the Solemn Feast of Pentecost may gain a partial indulgence for
themselves or as an offering for the intentions of the faithful departed.
Those who make a private novena in honor of the Holy Spirit, either before the Solemn
Feast of Pentecost or at any other time in the year, may also gain a partial indulgence for
themselves or as an offering for the
intentions of the faithful departed."
Act of Oblation to the Holy Spirit TO BE RECITED DAILY DURING THE NOVENA
ON MY KNEES before the great cloud of
heavenly witnesses, I offer myself body and soul to Thee, eternal Spirit of God. I adore the
brightness of Thy purity, the unerring keenness of Thy justice and the might of Thy love. Thou art the strength and light of my soul. In Thee I live and move and have my
being. I desire never to grieve Thee by unfaithfulness to grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against Thee. Make me faithful in every
thought, and grant that I may always listen to Thy voice, watch for Thy light, and follow
Thy gracious inspirations. I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee, and I ask Thee by Thy
compassion to watch over me in my
weakness. Holding the pierced feet of Jesus, looking at His five Wounds, trusting in His
Precious Blood and adoring His opened side and stricken Heart, I implore Thee, adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me
in Thy grace that I may never sin against Thee with the sin which Thou wilt not
forgive. Grant to me the grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and of the Son, to say to Thee always and everywhere, "Speak, Lord,
for Thy servant hears." Amen. (After a prayer by
Cardinal Newman)
Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
TO BE RECITED DAILY DURING THE NOVENA
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who before ascending into Heaven didst promise to send
the Holy Ghost to finish Thy work in the souls of Thine Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me, that He
may perfect in my soul the work of Thy grace and Thy love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom,
that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things
that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding, to enlighten my mind with the light of Thy
Divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel, that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude,
that I may bear my cross with Thee and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles
that oppose my salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge, that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety, that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable; the Spirit
of Fear, that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, Dear
Lord, with the sign of Thy true disciples, and animate me in all things with Thy Spirit.
Amen.
FIRST DAY
O Holy Spirit! Lord of light! From Thy clear celestial height,
Thy pure and beaming radiance give!
The Holy Ghost
Only one thing is important------eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared------sin. Sin is the result of ignorance,
weakness, and indifference. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love.
With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the
heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our
infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh
for us."
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from Heaven
upon us Thy sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of
Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the
Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Oblation, Prayer for the Seven Gifts.
SECOND DAY
Come, Thou Father of the poor! Come, with treasures which endure!
Come, Thou light of all that live!
The Gift of Fear
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of Hell, but
from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the
fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God.
"They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their
souls."
Prayer
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face
forever; help me to shun all things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in
Heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God,
world without end. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Oblation, Prayer for the Seven Gifts.
THIRD DAY
Thou of all Consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast,
Dost refreshing peace bestow.
The Gift of Piety
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake
persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His
authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome
duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God,
that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to
all legitimate authority. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Oblation, Prayer for the Seven Gifts.
FOURTH DAY
Thou in toil art Comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, Solace in the midst of woe.
The Gift of Fortitude By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to undertake without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."
Prayer Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen
my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be
overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Oblation, Prayer for the Seven Gifts.
FIFTH DAY
Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill.
The Gift of Knowledge
The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth-----
in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their
emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God.
It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its
light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else.
"Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the
Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use
them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee,
and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Oblation, Prayer for the Seven Gifts.
SIXTH DAY
If Thou take Thy grace away, Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.
The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion. By faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and
relish them, It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths
and,through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is
in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the
knowledge of God."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and
believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in
Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the
Son, Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Oblation, Prayer for the Seven Gifts.
SEVENTH DAY
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness, pour Thy dew; Wash the stains of guilt away.
The Gift of Counsel The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Catholic citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."
Prayer Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and
direct me by the straight path of Thy Commandments to that goal of eternal life
for which I long. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Oblation, Prayer for the Seven Gifts.
EIGHTH DAY
Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill; Guide the steps that go astray.
The Gift of Wisdom
Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the
most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our
faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest
degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things Divine, in the
appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a
Divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for My yoke is sweet and My burden
light."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their
exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all
the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them
forever. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Oblation, Prayer for the Seven Gifts.
NINTH DAY
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore, In Thy sevenfold Gifts descend.
Give them comfort when they die; Give them life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end. Amen.
The Fruits of the Holy Ghost
The gifts of the Holy Ghost perfect the
supernatural virtues by enabling us to
practice them with greater docility to Divine
inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge
and love of God under the direction of the
Holy Ghost, our service becomes more
sincere and generous, the practice of virtue
more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the
heart filled with joy and consolation and are
known as Fruits of the Holy Ghost. These
Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue
more attractive and become a powerful
incentive for still greater efforts in the service
of God, to serve Whom is to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy
heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace,
patience, benignity, goodness, faith,
mildness, and temperance, that I may never
weary in the service of God, but by continued
faithful submission to Thy inspiration may
merit to be united eternally with Thee in the
love of the Father and the Son. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Oblation, Prayer for the Seven Gifts.
www.catholictradition.org/Tradition/holy-spirit.htm
On the first Wednesday of every
month at 6:30 p.m. there will be
Adoration in Spanish
Sunday Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil Mass at ICC will be 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass at ICC will be 10:00 a.m. and Mass in Spanish at 1:00 p.m. Sunday Mass at St William will be 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at Holy Redeemer will be 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at St Mark will be 11:30 a.m.
Reopening Guidelines and Best Practices In conferring with the College of Consultors, these Guidelines and Best Practices are given to the priests of the Diocese of Savannah to assist them in developing plans to reopen their churches for prayer and Mass, and to celebrate all the sacraments for the spiritual benefit and physical safety of the people of God in the diocese. GENERAL PRINCIPLES A. CENTRALITY OF THE EUCHARIST The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life (LG, 11)” and so we must make it as available as possible within the constraints forced upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. B. SUBSIDIARITY Decisions should be made at the lowest possible level. Local pastors know the situation in their respective parishes and communities better than the Chancery in Savannah. The following considerations are offered to help pastors make the best decisions for their parishes in the concrete circumstances in which they find themselves. C. COMMON GOOD The directives of the legitimate civil and ecclesiastical authorities and the theology of the church need to be taken into account not only for parishes but also for the sake of the broader community. Care needs to be taken to look at all parish activities: council meetings, gatherings, Bible studies, etc. D. FLEXIBILITY The exact number of people who will attend Masses will be unknown. Pastors will need to provide flexible plans to accommodate the needs of the people.
New Daily Mass Schedule
Monday -May 25th 8:30 a .m. ICC Tuesday – May 26th 7:00 p.m.
(Holy Redeemer) Wednesday – May 27th 6:00 p.m. (St William) Thursday – May 28th 7:00 p.m. St Mark
Friday at ICC
Friday – May 29th 8:30 a.m. Adoration 10:30 a.m. Mass 12:20 p.m. ICC Spanish Mass (ICC) 6:00 p.m.
E. ADHERENCE TO GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONS In the state of Georgia, the Governor has not issued direct orders for churches, but has stated that if and when we gather the regular rule of social distancing should be observed (six feet distancing). F. SUSPENSION OF THE SUNDAY MASS OBLIGATION The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains suspended through Sunday, June 28, 2020. This will be revisited towards the end of June. If parishioners are in the higher risk category due to current illness, age or suffering a chronic health condition or compromised immune system, they are also asked to remain at home. Please be aware of the risk to yourself and others should you choose to come to Mass. These guidelines will change and be amended as needed. GUIDELINES A. GENERAL GUIDELINES Parishes must post signage reminding people to stay home if they do not feel well or if they are uncomfortable being in such an environment. 1. Suspend all non-essential gatherings – no coffee and donuts. 2. In order to observe social distancing, reduce seating capacity in the church to 25% of the norm; i.e., if your church seats 400 people, there should be no more than 100 people admitted for one Mass. There must be enough space for everyone to maintain proper social distancing. Families can sit together but must maintain proper distance from other families. 3. The church and other spaces (narthex, parish hall, etc.) need to be prepared and cleaned. 4. Doors should be propped open or only one person should touch the door to open/close it. 5. Hand sanitizer and antibacterial/disinfectant wipes should be available to parishioners if possible, or people should be encouraged to bring their own. 6. Bathrooms need to be monitored and kept sanitized. B. MASS 1. All previous promulgated measures remain in effect: § The sign of peace is to be omitted. § No distribution of the Precious Blood to the faithful, and only the host will be distributed for Holy Communion. § Receiving Holy Communion in the hand is
preferable, although receiving Holy Communion on the tongue will not be denied. 2. No holy water in the fonts. 3. No altar servers. 4. No offertory procession: the gifts should be brought over from the credence table. 5. Collection baskets should be placed in the church so people can drop their offering envelopes as they enter or leave. Baskets are not to be passed through the congregation. Do not leave the baskets unattended. 6. Do not hold hands at the Lord’s Prayer. 7. No choirs: cantors may be present to sing, but due to the limits of social distancing, choirs should be suspended for the time being. 8. Remove hymnals and missalettes. Use electronic means to provide the readings and hymns and encourage people to bring their own resources. If paper copies of the readings and hymns are provided, ushers need to wear gloves and waste receptacles must be at the exits of the church so that the worship aides can be discarded. 9. Training rooms (cry rooms) and nurseries are to be closed. C. CONFESSIONS 1. Confessions may resume. 2. Distancing is still to be in effect: encourage social distancing for those standing in line. 3. Outdoor and drive-through confessions are permitted. D. ANOINTING OF THE SICK The previous promulgated measures are to remain in place. (See “Anointing of the Sick Directives” issued March 27, 2020) E. FUNERALS Funeral Masses may be celebrated if social distancing regulations can be observed. F. WEDDINGS Weddings within and outside of Mass may be celebrated if social distancing regulations can be observed. G. BAPTISMS
1. Baptisms may be celebrated if social distancing regulations can be observed. 2. For anointing, a cotton ball or swab should be used to apply the oil to the infant so that there is no physical contact between the minister and the child. 3. Whoever will receive the candle should pick the candle up and light it from the Paschal candle. The minister may take the fire from the
Paschal candle with a taper and light the candle also. H. RECEPTION INTO THE CHURCH OF CATECHUMENS AND CANDIDATES For the catechumens and candidates who did not come into the church at the Easter Vigil, pastors are to find a suitable date and time to baptize and confirm them and receive them into full communion with the church. This can be done at a special Mass or Sunday Mass. I. CONFIRMATION In future correspondence, pastors will be given delegation to determine a date and time suitable for their parish for the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation for their youth. J. COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND OR VISITING THE SICK
The ministries of bringing communion to the homebound and visiting the sick remain generally suspended except in the case of viaticum, or of family members who are trained, commissioned communion ministers bringing the Eucharist to members of their own family. Priests can exercise their personal judgment in particular cases. K. ADORATION CHAPELS
Adoration chapels, if social distancing cannot take place, are to remain closed. OPTIONS AND BEST PRACTICES § Continue live streaming Masses so people who are not yet comfortable can participate. § Add additional Masses. § Have a secondary/overflow Mass if needed. Outdoor and parking lot Masses are permitted subject to logistical, meteorological, and physical separation challenges. § Invite people to daily Masses instead of Sunday Masses. § At the discretion of the pastor, masks may or may not be required to attend Mass. Whatever the local decision is, people need to be aware of the risk they are taking by participating in public Masses. § Decrease the amount of singing by the congregation. § If a parish has an adoration chapel but it needs to remain closed, offer exposition after Mass in the main church and adoration can continue until the church is closed and locked for the evening. Given in Savannah, Georgia on Tuesday, May 19,
2020. Fr. Daniel F. Firmin, J.C.L. Diocesan Administrator Diocese of Savannah
Directrices de Reapertura y Mejores Prácticas Luego de consultar con el Colegio de Consultores, las siguientes Directrices y Mejores Prácticas se presentan a los sacerdotes de la Diócesis de Savannah para ayudarles a desarrollar planes para reabrir sus iglesias para la oración y la Misa, y para celebrar todos los sacramentos para el beneficio espiritual y la seguridad física del pueblo de Dios en la diócesis. NORMAS GENERALES A. CENTRALIDAD DE LA EUCARISTÍA
La Eucaristía es "fuente y culmen de toda la vida cristiana (LG, 11)", y por lo tanto debemos ponerla a disposición del Pueblo de Dios dentro de las limitaciones causadas por la pandemia del COVID-19. B. SUBSIDIARIEDAD
Las decisiones deben tomarse en el nivel más bajo posible. Los párrocos locales conocen mejor la situación en sus respectivas parroquias y comunidades que la Cancillería en Savannah. Las siguientes consideraciones se ofrecen para ayudar a los párrocos a tomar las mejores decisiones para sus parroquias en las circunstancias concretas en las que se encuentran. C. BIEN COMÚN
Las directrices de las autoridades legítimas, civiles y eclesiásticas, junto con la teología de la Iglesia deben tenerse en cuenta no sólo para las parroquias, sino también para el bien de la comunidad en general. Hay que tener cuidado al examinar todas las actividades parroquiales: juntas de consejos, reuniones, estudios bíblicos, etc. D. FLEXIBILIDAD Se desconoce el número exacto de personas que asistirán a las Misas. Los párrocos tendrán que proporcionar planes flexibles para satisfacer las necesidades del pueblo. E. ADHERENCIA A LAS RECOMENDACIONES DEL GOBIERNO En el estado de Georgia, el Gobernador no ha emitido órdenes específicas para las iglesias, pero
ha declarado que sí nos reunimos debemos observar las reglas de distanciamiento social (permanecer a seis pies de distancia). F. SUSPENSIÓN DE LA OBLIGACIÓN DE ASISTENCIA A LA MISA DOMINICAL La obligación de asistir a la Misa dominical permanece suspendida hasta el domingo 28 de junio, 2020. Esta dispensa se revisará a finales de junio. Si los feligreses están en la categoría de mayor riesgo debido a una enfermedad actual, edad avanzada o el sufrimiento de una condición de salud crónica o un sistema inmunológico comprometido, también se les pide que permanezcan en casa. Por favor, sea consciente del riesgo para sí mismo y para los demás en caso de que decida asistir a la Misa. Estas directrices cambiarán y se modificarán según sea necesario. DIRECTRICES A. DIRECTRICES GENERALES Las parroquias deben colocar carteles recordando a las personas que se queden en casa si no se sienten bien o si se sienten incómodas estando en un ambiente público. 1. Suspender toda reunión no esencial. 2. Con el fin de observar el distanciamiento social, se debe reducir la capacidad de bancas disponibles en la iglesia al 25% de lo normal; es decir, si la iglesia tiene capacidad para 400 personas, no debería haber más de 100 personas admitidas para una Misa. Debe haber suficiente espacio para que todos mantengan un distanciamiento social adecuado. Miembros de una familia pueden sentarse juntos, pero deben mantener una distancia adecuada con respecto a otras familias. 3. La iglesia y otros espacios (salón de entrada, salón parroquial, etc.) necesitan ser debidamente preparados y limpiados. 4. Las puertas deben permanecer abiertas o una sola persona debe ser asignada para ser la única que abre y cierra la puerta. 5. Desinfectante de manos y toallitas antibacterianas/desinfectantes deben estar disponibles para los feligreses si es posible, o se debe alentar a las personas a traer las suyas. 6. Los baños deben ser monitoreados y desinfectados constantemente. B. LA MISA 1. Todas las medidas promulgadas anteriormente siguen en vigor: § Se debe omitir el Saludo de la Paz.
§ No hay distribución de la Preciosa Sangre a los fieles, y sólo la hostia será distribuida para la Santa Comunión. § Es preferible recibir la Santa Comunión en la mano, aunque no se negará recibir la Santa Comunión en la lengua. 2. No colocar agua bendita en las fuentes. 3. No utilizar monaguillos. 4. No habrá procesión de ofertorio: las ofrendas se traen de la credencia. 5. Las canastas del ofertorio deben colocarse en la iglesia para que los feligreses puedan colocar su ofrenda al ingresar o al salir de la iglesia. Las canastas no deben pasarse por la congregación. No deje las canastas desatendidas. 6. No tomarse de la mano durante el Padre Nuestro. 7. No utilizar coros: un cantor puede estar presente para cantar, pero debido a los límites del distanciamiento social, los coros deben ser suspendidos por el momento. 8. Retirar cancioneros y misales. Utilice medios electrónicos para proporcionar las lecturas y los cánticos, y anime a las personas a traer sus propios misales. Si se proporcionan hojas con las lecturas y los cánticos, los ujieres deben usar guantes y colocar basureros en las salidas de la iglesia para que las hojas puedan ser desechadas. 9. Cerrar los salones para familias con niños durante la Misa y las guarderías de niños. C. CONFESIONES 1. Las confesiones pueden reanudarse. 2. El distanciamiento aún permanece en vigencia: fomentar el distanciamiento social para aquellos que esperan en la fila. 3. Se permiten confesiones al aire libre y desde el automóvil. D. UNCIÓN DE LOS ENFERMOS Las medidas promulgadas anteriormente siguen en vigor. (Ver “Directivas para la Unción de los Enfermos” pronunciada el 27 de marzo, 2020) E. FUNERALES Se pueden celebrar Misas Fúnebres siempre y cuando se puedan observar las normas de distanciamiento social. F. MATRIMONIOS Se pueden celebrar matrimonios dentro y fuera de la Misa siempre y cuando se puedan observar las normas de distanciamiento social. G. BAUTISMOS 1. Se pueden celebrar bautismos siempre y cuando se puedan observar las normas de
distanciamiento social. 2. Para ungir, utilizar un algodón o hisopo para aplicar el óleo al niño así no hay contacto físico entre el ministro y el niño. 3. Quien reciba el cirio bautismal debe tomarlo y encenderlo del cirio pascual. El ministro también puede encender una vela del cirio pascual para luego encender el cirio bautismal. H. RECEPCIÓN EN LA IGLESIA DE LOS CATECÚMENOS Y CANDIDATOS Para los catecúmenos y candidatos que no fueron admitidos en la Iglesia en la Vigilia Pascual, los párrocos deben determinar una fecha adecuada para bautizarlos, confirmarlos y recibirlos en plena comunión con la Iglesia. Esto se puede hacer en una Misa especial o dominical. I. CONFIRMACIÓN En futura correspondencia, se otorgará delegación a los párrocos para determinar una fecha adecuada para la celebración del sacramento de la confirmación para los jóvenes. J. COMUNIÓN PARA LOS QUE SE QUEDAN EN CASA Y LOS ENFERMOS Los ministerios encargados de llevar la comunión a los individuos que se quedan en casa y a los enfermos permanecerán generalmente suspendidos, excepto en el caso del viatico, y cuando miembros de una familia debidamente capacitados como ministros eucarísticos llevan la comunión a un miembro de su propia familia. Los sacerdotes pueden ejercer su juicio personal en casos particulares. K. CAPILLAS DE ADORACIÓN AL SANTÍSIMO Si no es posible observar las normas de distanciamiento social, las Capillas de Adoración Al Santísimo deberán permanecer cerradas. OPCIONES Y MEJORES PRACTICAS
§ Transmitir Misas en vivo para que las personas que aún no se sientan cómodas en acercarse a la iglesia puedan participar. § Incrementar el número de Misas celebradas. § Celebrar simultáneamente una segunda Misa en el salón parroquial si es necesario. Las Misas al aire libre y en los estacionamientos están permitidas, manteniendo en cuenta temas logísticos, meteorológicos y de distanciamiento social. § Invitar a los feligreses a asistir a la Misa diaria
en vez de la Misa dominical. § A discreción del párroco, las máscaras pueden o no ser requeridas para asistir a la Misa. Cual sea la decisión local, los feligreses deben estar conscientes del riesgo que toman al participar en una Misa pública. § Disminuir el número de cánticos. § Si la parroquia tiene una Capilla de Adoración al Santísimo y es necesario mantenerla cerrada, ofrecer exposición del Santísimo después de la Misa en la iglesia y continuar con la adoración hasta que la iglesia cierre en la tarde. Dado en Savannah, Georgia el martes 19 de mayo del 2020. Padre Daniel F. Firmin, J.C.L. Administrador Diocesano Diócesis de Savannah
