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February 28, 2020

USCCB Divine Worship chairman issues memo on virus precautions

REGIONAL
Staff report

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Archbishop Leonard P. Blair of Hartford, Conn., gives the homily as he concelebrates Mass with other U.S. bishops from the New England States at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome Nov. 4, 2019. The bishops were making their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican to report on the status of their dioceses to Pope Francis and Vatican officials. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

 

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski has shared with diocesan priests and deacons memos from Hartford, Conn., Archbishop Leonard P. Blair, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Divine Worship, and Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, USCCB general secretary, regarding liturgical celebrations and public health concerns about the coronavirus.

In his memo, Archbishop Blair recommends the following:

Fundamentals that always apply: 

  • urging priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to practice good hygiene, washing their hands before Mass begins or even using an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion; 
  • assuring the faithful that if they are sick or are experiencing symptoms of sickness they are not obliged to attend Mass, and even that out of charity they ought not to attend. 

Precautionary measures that could be applied: 

  • suspending the exchange of the sign of peace (or instructing that it be exchanged without physical contact); 
  • suspending the distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful via the chalice. 

Archbishop Blair also notes:

In the event that the threat becomes dire, as it has in some places internationally, the Diocesan Bishop also has the authority to: 

  • grant a general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass; 
  • suspend public celebrations of the liturgy, including Mass.

In disseminating Archbishop Blair’s memorandum to the country’s bishops, Msgr. Bransfield also offered sample petitions, which may be included during the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass:

  • For those who are suffering in the current outbreak of sickness that they might be healed, and for the happy repose of all who have died from this sickness in recent weeks; let us pray to the Lord 
  • For scientists, health professionals, public officials, and all who are serving the common good in this difficult and uncertain time, that they will be filled with wisdom and understanding; let us pray to the Lord. 
  • That in times of illness our merciful and loving Father will strengthen our faith and trust in his goodness and divine providence; let us pray to the Lord. 
  • That our compassionate Father would touch all affected by the current outbreak with healing and peace; let us pray to the Lord. 
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